At an informal gathering of EU military affairs leaders in Stockholm, Hungarian Defense Minister Krysztof Salay-Bobrovnicki conveyed his country’s position on the security developments surrounding Sweden and Finland. He affirmed that Hungary supports both nations’ accession to NATO and regards them as allies, while also urging a tone of greater mutual respect in the relationship. The remarks reflect Budapest’s nuanced approach to alliance enlargement and regional security in Europe.
According to state coverage, the minister highlighted what he described as unfounded accusations directed at Hungary by politicians in Sweden and Finland in recent years. He emphasized that such criticisms do not reflect the quality of Hungary’s engagement within EU and NATO frameworks and that a constructive political dialogue should prevail as the accession processes proceed.
Salay-Bobrovnicki stated that Hungary expects a future environment where, once the ratification steps are finalized, partner nations can engage in a dialogue grounded in trust and shared interests. He stressed that Hungary views Sweden and Finland as trusted partners and allies, deserving a respectful and principled interaction as the alliance moves forward with their membership. The defense minister underscored that this stance aligns with Hungary’s long-standing practice of supporting collective security arrangements and maintaining open channels for consultation with fellow alliance members.
In parallel, the minister noted that the Hungarian government initially supported the participation of the two Nordic states in the alliance. He clarified that the country would continue to hold firm on its broader security positions while contributing to a stable and predictable regional security order. The dialogue, he argued, should be anchored in mutual confidence and a shared commitment to upholding the rules-based international system.
Regarding the broader conflict in Ukraine, Salay-Bobrovnicki reiterated Hungary’s position, stating that the country would not alter its stance on the crisis or supply arms to Kyiv. He described this policy as part of a deliberate assessment of Europe’s security environment, balancing obligations to alliance partners with national strategic considerations. The minister suggested that durable resolution requires concessions and constructive diplomacy among all involved parties, rather than unilateral moves that could escalate tensions.
Earlier remarks by Csaba Hende, a Deputy Speaker in Hungary’s parliament, indicated that there appeared to be no formal obstacle to the approval of Finland and Sweden’s NATO applications within the parliamentary process. The comments reflected a broader consensus among Hungarian lawmakers about the strategic value of a strengthened northern flank and a more integrated European defense posture. The ongoing dialogue, both at the political and defense levels, signals Hungary’s willingness to cooperate closely with the alliance while safeguarding its national interests and security commitments.