Statement of the President of Hungary on Sweden and Finland

Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, but Sweden and Finland faced objections from Turkey.

For the two countries to become NATO members, the approval of Hungary and Turkey is required. Turkey wants Sweden to take a clear stance against the terrorist organizations PKK, YPG and FETO, responsible for the coup attempt in 2016.

Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu stated on Monday that membership talks with Sweden and Finland would take place on March 9, but that Sweden did not fully comply with the conditions of the tripartite agreement signed last year.

Negotiations for Swedish and Finnish membership in the Hungarian parliament have made no progress since July, while Prime Minister Viktor Orban raised concerns about membership applications for the first time last week.

In his Facebook post, Novak said: “This (decision) is a complex decision with serious consequences, so it needs careful consideration,” adding: “My position is clear: Currently, the membership of Sweden and Finland (NATO ) is reasonable”. I believe the National Assembly will make a wise decision as soon as possible!” he used the phrase.

Right-wing Prime Minister Orban said last week that further negotiations between parliamentary groups would be needed before membership applications could be voted on.

Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto announced yesterday that Hungary plans to send a parliamentary delegation to Finland to discuss the NATO request around March 9.