Fidesz

Swedish PM in Hungary ahead of crunch NATO ratification vote

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson arrived in Budapest on Feb. 23 for talks with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban ahead of a key parliamentary vote on Stockholm's bid to join NATO.

Hungary remains the last obstacle to the Nordic country's NATO membership after Türkiye's ratification last month, but its parliament is set to vote on Sweden's bid on Feb. 26.

Hungary Set to Ratify Sweden's NATO Membership on February 26

Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has announced its intention to approve Sweden's NATO membership, marking a significant step in Stockholm's bid to join the defense alliance. The decision, reported by Reuters and the Financial Times, comes after Hungary's long-awaited endorsement, resolving a diplomatic standoff that delayed Sweden's accession to NATO.

EU Launches Legal Action Against Hungary Over Sovereignty Law

The European Commission has initiated legal proceedings against Hungary over its controversial "sovereignty law," marking another chapter in the ongoing clash between Brussels and Budapest. The move comes in response to concerns that the law, championed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government, undermines fundamental rights and democratic principles.

Orban's "no" for Sweden

The Hungarian Parliament could not vote today in an emergency session on the ratification of the agreement on Sweden's membership in NATO due to the lack of a quorum, announced the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Sandor Lezak.

Democracy Digest: Hungarian Justice Minister, In Charge of EU Negotiations, In Shock Resignation

Evidently, Varga could not convince the EU Commission that Hungary has made enough progress and her resignation could be a sign that PM Vikor Orban has lost confidence in her. However, other factors might be in the background. The Justice Ministry was rocked by a major corruption and money-laundering scandal, as Varga's state secretary was selling lucrative bailiff positions for money.

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