The Hungarian parliament is poised to approve Sweden’s entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization during its upcoming spring session, which is scheduled to begin on February 26. This development was announced by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary, signaling a potential shift in the country’s stance on alliance expansion. (TASS)
Orbán indicated that a long-standing dispute over Sweden’s accession was nearing resolution. In remarks delivered at the outset of the spring session, he stated that constructive steps, taken together with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, had helped restore trust and marked progress toward enabling parliamentary approval of Sweden’s NATO membership. The tone suggested a move away from earlier resistance and toward a more collaborative, security-focused future within the alliance. (TASS)
Earlier, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó commented in response to statements from Washington regarding the pending approval, asserting that Budapest would not be swayed by external pressure. He emphasized Hungary’s sovereignty and the expectation that foreign states, including the United States, acknowledge that sovereignty. The minister noted that Hungary does not criticize the decisions of other governments or intervene in the domestic affairs of other nations, underscoring a principle of non-interference and prudent national autonomy. (TASS)
In parallel, the United States National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, conveyed Washington’s expectation that Hungary would move forward with Sweden’s NATO membership promptly, cautioned that Washington’s patience has limits, and underscored the relevance of timely decisions to the security framework of the alliance. The dialogue reflected a shared interest in reinforcing deterrence and unity among NATO allies at a crucial moment in regional security discussions. (TASS)
At present, no vote had been recorded in the Hungarian Parliament regarding Sweden’s NATO membership; the legislative process and procedural steps were still under discussion as part of the session’s broader agenda. The stance from Budapest appears to blend a reaffirmation of sovereignty with a willingness to engage in international security commitments that have broad geopolitical implications for Europe and for NATO’s strategic posture. (TASS)
Observers note that the evolving position in Hungary aligns with a wider regional trend toward consolidating defense and security ties within the alliance, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions and the importance placed on credible defense commitments across member states. The unfolding discussions are expected to influence not only bilateral relations with Sweden but also broader alliances and security cooperation within North America and Europe. (TASS)
Analysts highlight several key factors shaping Hungary’s approach: the strategic value of a unified NATO front in the Baltic and Nordic regions, the impact of Sweden’s military and defense contributions to alliance capabilities, and the domestic political calculus that balances national sovereignty with regional and transatlantic commitments. The spring session thus serves as a pivotal forum for clarifying Hungary’s position, aligning domestic and external policy goals, and potentially signaling a new phase in Sweden’s accession process. (TASS)