In a significant diplomatic move, a bipartisan delegation of US senators visited Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday to press the Hungarian government to approve Sweden’s bid to join NATO.
The delegation emphasized the urgency of Hungary’s action, as it is the sole NATO member yet to ratify Sweden’s accession, despite more than 18 months passing since the bid was put forward.
Time to Seal the Deal on Sweden’s NATO Entry
The senators, led by Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, held a joint press conference at the US Embassy in Budapest to announce their intentions.
They declared their intention to submit a joint resolution to Congress condemning what they described as democratic regression in Hungary and urging Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government to lift its blockade on Sweden’s integration into the trans-Atlantic alliance.
The resolution, co-authored by Tillis and Shaheen, highlights the importance of Hungary’s role in European and trans-Atlantic security.
It underscores Hungary’s failure to fulfill its commitment not to be the last NATO ally to approve Sweden’s membership, which, according to the senators, jeopardizes peace and stability in Europe.
While expressing disappointment at the lack of engagement from Hungarian government officials during their visit, the senators remained optimistic that Sweden’s accession would be addressed when the Hungarian parliament reconvenes on February 26.
Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, emphasized the responsibility resting on Prime Minister Orbán to facilitate a vote on the matter.
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Hungary May Ratify Sweden’s NATO Accession
The resolution also criticizes Orbán’s government for its warming ties with Russia and China, contrasting it with Hungary’s humanitarian efforts in hosting Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict with Russia.
Orbán’s administration has been accused of diluting European Union sanctions against Russia, prompting further scrutiny from the international community.
Orbán, a vocal nationalist, has indicated a potential shift in Hungary’s stance, suggesting that the dispute with Sweden is nearing resolution and hinting at ratifying Sweden’s NATO accession at the beginning of the spring session of Parliament.
However, his government’s adversarial stance towards the Biden administration and accusations of US interference in Hungarian affairs add complexity to the diplomatic landscape.
Despite Hungary’s insistence on sovereignty, the bipartisan delegation’s visit underscores the international pressure on Orbán’s government to uphold democratic principles and fulfill its obligations as a NATO member.
The resolution signals a bipartisan consensus in the US Congress regarding the importance of Sweden’s integration into NATO and the need for Hungary’s cooperation in ensuring European security and stability.
The visit and subsequent resolution highlight the intricate dynamics between NATO allies and the evolving geopolitical landscape in Europe, where principles of democracy and collective security are paramount in navigating contemporary challenges.
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