U.S. Senators Urge Hungary to Approve Sweden's NATO Membership Bid
A bipartisan delegation of U.S. senators recently visited Hungary's capital, Budapest, with a crucial mission – to persuade the nationalist government to ratify Sweden's NATO membership bid. Sweden's request has been supported by all 31 NATO members, except Hungary. However, the U.S. senators remain hopeful that Hungary will reconsider its position when the Hungarian parliament reconvenes.
The U.S. senators plan to submit a resolution to Congress, highlighting concerns over Hungary's democratic backsliding and urging the government to fully support Sweden's integration into NATO. These efforts were met with disappointment as no Hungarian government members held meetings with the delegation. Nonetheless, the senators trust that Sweden's bid will be given careful consideration when the parliament resumes.
One of the main criticisms raised in the resolution is Hungary's failure to fulfill its commitment of not being the last NATO member to approve Sweden's accession. This neglect has repercussions for trans-Atlantic security, and the resolution underscores the importance of Hungary rectifying the issue.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who personally favors Sweden's NATO membership, suggested that Hungary's parliament might soon approve the bid, despite previous hesitations from his party due to disagreements with Sweden. This indicates a potential shift in stance and increased willingness to support Sweden's NATO aspirations.
Furthermore, the resolution also addresses Hungary's relationships with Russia and China, especially focusing on Hungary's stance on EU sanctions against Russia. It accuses the Hungarian government of engaging in increasingly adversarial actions towards the U.S. administration.
Hungary's foreign minister, while welcoming the senators' visit, emphasized that Hungary would not succumb to any external pressure. He argues that reports about Hungary in the American media are false, rebutting claims of democratic regression and strained international relationships.
In conclusion, the visit by the U.S. senators to Hungary marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to secure Sweden's NATO membership. Despite the lack of meetings with Hungarian government officials, the senators express optimism that their resolution will resonate with the Hungarian Parliament and facilitate the approval of Sweden's bid.
Analyst comment
Positive news: U.S. senators urged Hungary to approve Sweden’s NATO membership bid. Analyst: Hungary’s parliament may soon approve the bid, benefiting trans-Atlantic security.
