U.S. Senators visit Hungary: Advocating for Sweden's NATO membership
A bipartisan delegation from the U.S. Congress is set to visit Hungary on Sunday, aiming to encourage Budapest to approve Sweden's NATO membership as the Hungarian parliament resumes after its winter break.
Hungary remains the sole NATO member yet to ratify Sweden's bid, a step essential for accession and one that has strained US-Hungary relations and raised concerns among allies.
Sweden sought NATO membership in May 2022, marking a significant policy shift in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Despite Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's closer relations with Russia compared to other EU and NATO countries, he has expressed support for Sweden's inclusion in the alliance. However, the necessary legislation has yet to advance.
The U.S. Embassy highlighted the senators' visit as centered on strategic challenges facing NATO and Hungary, emphasizing the importance of Sweden's NATO membership for both U.S. national security and the alliance's overall security, according to U.S. Ambassador David Pressman.
The ruling Fidesz party's parliamentary group has indicated that Sweden's NATO application might be ratified when parliament reconvenes in late February. Sweden's foreign minister also expressed optimism on Wednesday about Hungary's forthcoming approval of the bid.
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