Hungary and Turkey have added more obstacles to Sweden’s Nato application. Budapest is expected to demand further concessions from western allies prior to ratifying the military alliance.
Last week, pro-government media in Hungary unearthed an educational video from Sweden that described Hungary’s democracy as being eroding. Laszlo Kover said on Sunday that Sweden and Hungary did not share the same views about patriotism.
Kover said on a pro Orban TV show that NATO is a defense alliance and that we guarantee collective defense. “But I do not think that we need a partner like this. . . “Spits on Us.”
Peter Szijjarto, the foreign minister of Hungary, has used the video to remind Stockholm that it should not take the vote in Budapest for granted. He wrote to his Swedish counterpart the previous week to tell him not to be surprised by the reaction of the Hungarian Parliament.
Orban agreed to ratify Sweden’s bid after Turkey removed its objections in the month of July. In recent weeks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan has shown reluctance in taking that step due to a series Koran burnings, including those in front of the Turkish Embassy in Sweden.
The Hungarian Government has acknowledged that it coordinates positions with Ankara in this matter. Orban used his veto in the past to force concessions from western allies on issues such as Nato enlargement or other EU matters.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Turkish-Hungarian-led veto resulted in Sweden being decoupled with Finland. Finland joined the alliance this April.
The Hungarian warning was met with shock in Sweden, and it has only added to the feeling that a Nato application is still far away.
Kalle Sandhammar is the head of Sweden’s public broadcaster UR, which published the educational video. He said it was “gratifying” to hear that Hungarian officials were watching UR. He added that it was “deeply ignorant” to believe that Swedish politicians control UR’s contents.
The Swedish foreign ministry refused to comment. Nordic diplomats believe that Hungary doesn’t want to be the last country to confirm Sweden as a member. Therefore, a stronger opposition from Budapest can signal to Turkey that it isn’t close to approval.
Washington is annoyed by Budapest’s long-standing refusal to ratify this expansion. US Ambassador to Budapest David Pressman cited the issue as a priority in bilateral relations.
He said that the prime minister had stated on Friday that he supported Sweden’s joining of the alliance. “We are looking forward to swift action from the Hungarian parliament and government.”
Every single fighter jet used by the Hungarian Defense Forces are Swedish jets. Pressman stated that every single fighter jet flown by the Hungarian Defense Forces is a Swedish jet. “Hungary is well aware of the immense benefits that Sweden’s membership in the Alliance will bring.”
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