'Good news' from Hungary about Sweden's NATO bid: "Towards."

''Good news' from Hungary about Sweden's NATO bid: "Towards."

In a keynote address, Orbán said, "It is good news that our dispute with Sweden will soon be resolved."

When the Hungarian parliament meets for its next spring session later this month, Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned his supporters on Saturday that the country's parliament would confirm Sweden's membership in NATO.

Budapest, Hungary hosts the annual State of the Nation speech by Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

In a keynote address, Orban said, "It is good news that our dispute with Sweden will soon be resolved." "We are making progress toward our goal of confirming Sweden's NATO membership at the start of the upcoming spring legislative session."

He claimed that in an effort "to rebuild trust" between the two nations, he and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had taken action. Orban omitted to mention what such actions were.

In May 2022, Sweden made a dramatic policy change in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine by applying to join NATO.

Only Hungary has not yet granted Sweden's application, which is a procedure that needs the backing of every NATO member. Relationships with the US have worsened as a result of the delay, and its allies are becoming concerned.

Sweden's NATO candidacy has been placed on hold because Orbán's governing Fidesz party has rejected Swedish claims that he has destroyed democracy in Hungary as unfounded.

Orban has said repeatedly that his government supports Sweden's membership in the alliance, despite the fact that the bill would enable Hungary to join the group starting in mid-2022. Orban has better connections with Russia than most other EU and NATO members. confined to Parliament.

The next scheduled meeting of Parliament is on February 26.