Orbán Viktor to meet Swedish PM as parliament set to vote on NATO membership

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has repeatedly voiced support for Sweden’s membership, but the ruling Fidesz party has delayed the vote, citing concerns about alleged attacks on Hungary by Swedish politicians.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is set to visit Budapest on February 23rd to hold talks with Orbán.

Hungary is the only NATO member state that has yet to ratify Sweden’s membership.

The Hungarian parliament is expected to vote on Sweden’s NATO membership during its next session.

The ruling Fidesz party has a majority in parliament, and the vote is expected to pass.

Hungary’s approval would make it the last NATO member state to ratify Sweden’s membership.

Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership in May 2023 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

All 30 NATO member states must approve a new member’s application.

Turkey initially blocked Sweden’s membership, but lifted its veto in June 2023 after Sweden agreed to address Turkey’s security concerns.

Hungary has also raised concerns about Sweden’s membership, but has not provided specific details about the alleged attacks on Hungary by Swedish politicians.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is set to visit Budapest on February 23rd to hold talks with Prime Minister Orbán.

The visit is seen as an opportunity to address Hungary’s concerns and pave the way for a vote on Sweden’s membership.

Hungary’s delay in ratifying Sweden’s membership has strained relations between the two countries.

Analysts hope that the visit of the Swedish Prime Minister will help to improve relations and lead to a swift ratification of Sweden’s membership.

Hungary and Sweden have a long history of cooperation, including in the areas of trade, investment, and security.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached €400 billion in 2023, making Sweden Hungary’s 14th largest trading partner.

Sweden is the 10th largest investor in Hungary, with investments totaling €700 billion in 2023.

More than 200 Swedish companies are present in Hungary.

The Gripen fighter jet is the most modern combat aircraft in the Hungarian Air Force.

It is manufactured by the Swedish company Saab and has been in service with the Hungarian Armed Forces since 2006.

The procurement of the Gripen jets began in 2001. The Hungarian government purchased 14 Gripen fighter jets from Saab for a total of HUF 740 billion.

The jets entered service with the Hungarian Armed Forces in 2006.

The Gripens are the primary combat aircraft of the Hungarian Air Force. Their tasks include the defense of Hungarian airspace, participation in NATO air policing missions, and supporting Hungarian troops in military operations.

The Hungarian Armed Forces operate 14 Gripen fighter jets. The jets are planned to remain in service until 2040. The Gripens are continuously being modernized to ensure that they continue to meet the requirements of modern warfare.

The procurement of the Gripen jets has significantly contributed to the development of the Hungarian economy. Saab has established a company in Hungary responsible for the maintenance of the Gripen jets, Gripen Hungária. The Gripen program has created thousands of jobs in Hungary.

Hungary’s decision to delay the vote on Sweden’s NATO membership has been criticized by some analysts, who argue that it is damaging Hungary’s reputation and credibility.

Others argue that Hungary is right to raise concerns about Sweden’s membership and that it should not be pressured to approve the membership without further scrutiny.

The outcome of the vote on Sweden’s NATO membership will have a significant impact on Hungary-Sweden relations.

If Hungary ratifies Sweden’s membership, it will be seen as a sign of improved relations between the two countries.

However, if Hungary continues to delay or block Sweden’s membership, it will further strain relations and could lead to long-term damage.