Hungarian PM signals support for Sweden's NATO bid

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Friday expressed support for Sweden's entry into NATO, signaling that Stockholm will likely soon overcome the final hurdle to joining the alliance after other members of the bloc approved its entry.

Admission into NATO requires the unanimous approval of its existing members. Sweden and Finland both applied to join the bloc amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Finland ultimately securing entry. Sweden's bid, meanwhile, had stalled due to the opposition of Turkey and Hungary. Turkey approved Sweden's bid in January.

Orbán's announcement followed a visit from Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The pair further reached other security agreements including the Hungarian purchase of four military aircraft. The Hungarian Parliament is expected to meet next week to ratify Sweden's admittance, The Hill reported.

"To be a member of NATO together with another country means we are ready to die for each other," Orbán said.

Kristersson's visit came at Orbán's invitation following Turkey's approval of Sweden's entry, according to the Associated Press.

Today we opened a new phase of cooperation between Hungary and Sweden with @SwedishPM Ulf Kristersson. Thank you for your visit, Prime Minister! 🇭🇺🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/tygr5OcxUP

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) February 23, 2024

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.