Hungarian Parliament Ratifies Finland’s NATO Membership, Leaving Sweden Waiting

Background and Details of the Ratification

In a historic move, the Hungarian parliament has ratified Finland’s accession to NATO, with an overwhelming majority. Members of parliament voted 182 to 6 in favor of Finnish membership, marking the end of months of delays and uncertainty. While other NATO members had already ratified Finland’s membership bid, Turkey is the only member that is yet to approve it.

Finland and Sweden jointly applied for NATO membership following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Hungary’s approval of Finland’s bid received relief in Helsinki and elsewhere. However, Sweden’s bid remains uncertain as members of Hungary’s governing party are waiting for Stockholm to clear up lingering disagreements before going to a vote. Turkey has objected to Sweden’s bid amid accusations that Stockholm is too soft on groups deemed to be terror organizations.

Hungary’s Delayed Ratification and Accusations against the Government

Hungary had delayed ratifying Finland’s accession due to objections regarding their own democracy. However, Hungarian officials claimed they had no objections previously but later supported Helsinki’s bid. The government was accused of fueling anti-Western and anti-NATO sentiment at home by delaying ratification.

Balázs Orbán, Hungarian Prime Minister’s political director, said they support Sweden’s NATO membership, but added that their government needs guarantees from Stockholm on improving bilateral relations before making a move regarding Sweden’s NATO membership bid.

Hungary is a supporter of a unified NATO and does not want to make decisions against Turkey, which is the only NATO member that has not ratified Finland’s accession.

Some Hungarian opposition politicians and analysts believe Hungary’s foot dragging on ratification aimed to push Sweden and Finland to support the release of EU funds earmarked for Budapest through pragmatic policies with regards to Hungary’s democracy.

The Impact on Hungary’s Relationship with NATO

The delay in ratification has raised concerns about the nature and strength of Hungary’s commitment to NATO. A recent poll shows that only 39 percent of Hungarians view the EU positively, and support for NATO is decreasing. There are fears that Hungary’s government is moving away from NATO and towards Russia.

Conclusion

Hungary’s ratification of Finland’s accession marks a significant moment for the expansion of NATO. Finland is an important regional player with a strategic location and strong military capabilities. Sweden’s bid remains uncertain, but there is hope that ratification will come soon.

Hungary’s perceived ambivalence towards NATO remains a cause for concern, particularly given its proximity to Russia. The government must continue to demonstrate its commitment to the alliance in word and deed.

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