WARSAW: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has condemned Hungary’s delay in ratifying Sweden’s NATO accession as “unacceptable,” particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which is nearing its three-year mark.
Hungary’s ratification stands as the final hurdle to Sweden’s NATO membership, a step sought by Stockholm since the onset of the Ukraine conflict.
Expressing his frustration, Tusk emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the significance of collective action, especially given the war with Russia in Ukraine. His remarks came during a press briefing held in Warsaw, where he hosted Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Sweden’s NATO Membership Bid
While Hungary initially prolonged the ratification process by demanding an end to perceived vilification of its government by Sweden, recent statements from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban suggest progress in resolving the issue. Orban indicated that important steps had been taken to rebuild trust, and Hungary is now on course to ratify Sweden’s NATO bid.
However, Kristersson remained cautious in his response to Orban’s remarks, stating that Orban would be better suited to provide clarity on the matter. Despite Hungary’s overtures for negotiation, Swedish authorities have consistently declined to engage in discussions regarding the ratification process.
Sweden’s decision to seek NATO membership, announced in May 2022 alongside Finland, comes in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland has already become NATO’s 31st member, while Sweden awaits finalization of its accession process.
