BUDAPEST: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has extended an invitation to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for discussions in Budapest regarding Sweden’s NATO accession bid. Although Turkey is anticipated to ratify Sweden’s bid this week, Hungary remains the final approval hurdle.
Orban took to X, formerly Twitter, to announce the invitation, emphasizing the need for negotiations on Sweden’s NATO accession. Hungary has been critical of what it perceives as Sweden’s “openly hostile attitude,” accusing Swedish representatives of consistently criticizing Hungary on rule-of-law matters.
While Turkey’s ratification would clear the path for Sweden’s NATO membership, Hungary has been reluctant, with Budapest criticizing Sweden last week for not taking steps to strengthen bilateral relations. Orban’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, suggested that the Swedish government should engage in dialogue to address Hungary’s concerns.
Despite Hungary’s repeated statements of supporting Sweden’s NATO bid, there has been a delay in scheduling a parliamentary vote for ratification. Orban, in September, deemed the ratification non-urgent and called for “respect” from Sweden, a fellow EU member. The invitation sets the stage for crucial negotiations that could determine Sweden’s NATO accession.
