Hungary, Sweden and Finland begin discussing NATO membership

The Hungarian National Assembly held a session on the NATO membership of Sweden and Finland.

Speaking at the session, Peter Sztaray stated that the two countries have established a close partnership with NATO since 1995 and have participated in many joint programs, noting that the two countries’ NATO membership will contribute to foreign and security policy. from Hungary.

Noting that Sweden and Finland often unfairly criticize Hungary, Sztaray said the government supports the Hungarian National Assembly’s decision to send a delegation to these two countries for talks.

Stating that the Hungarian government supports the membership of Sweden and Finland in NATO, Sztaray added that he takes his country’s NATO membership very seriously and that they have taken important steps towards the modernization of the Hungarian army, especially in recent years. 5 years.

Agnes Vadai, a member of the Democratic Coalition (DK), one of the opposition parties in parliament, argued that with the addition of Sweden and Finland to NATO, the security of NATO’s eastern wing and Hungary would be strengthened.

Accusing the government of being slow to move on the two countries’ NATO membership, Vadai claimed that Sweden and Finland had to abandon their long-standing policy of neutrality due to Russia’s aggression.

Jobbik Party MP Koloman Brenner said his party supports NATO membership for Sweden and Finland.

Noting that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has changed the world’s global security policy, Brenner said that since 1945 no country has committed war crimes against civilians by attacking its neighbors with tanks, violating all kinds of international agreements.

Brenner also argued that the Hungarian government’s stance on the Russo-Ukrainian war undermined Hungary’s national interests.

Elöd Novak, a member of the far-right Mi Hazank party, argued that Sweden and Finland opposed NATO membership on the grounds that it was a step towards a world war and that Hungary should use its veto power.

HUNGARY HAS DECIDED TO SEND A DELEGATION

Mate Kocsis, leader of the Union of Hungarian Citizens (Fidesz) group in the Hungarian government, announced on February 23 that his party is divided on the membership of Sweden and Finland in NATO and asked the president of the National Assembly to send a delegation. to the two countries.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on February 24 that he personally supports Sweden’s and Finland’s NATO membership, but that some members of his Fidesz party do not want to support these two countries on the grounds that they “spread false accusations about Hungary”.

Orban also said: “If Sweden and Finland want Hungary to be fair and contribute to NATO membership, then these countries should take the same steps and not spread false claims about Hungary.” he said.

Hungarian President Katalin Novak, on the other hand, said in a statement today that Sweden and Finland support NATO membership and that he believes the Hungarian National Assembly will make the right decision as soon as possible. (AA)