A delegation of Hungarian parliamentarians is in Sweden today to discuss the country’s accession to NATO. Hungary is difficult for NATO membership of Sweden and Finland. The country has problems with the “lies” that both countries spread about democracy and the rule of law in Hungary.
According to Hungary correspondent Stefan Bos, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is using the NATO membership of Sweden and Finland as a bargaining chip. ‘Both countries were very critical of Hungary’s approach to the rule of law and democracy. That criticism partly ensured that the billions Hungary allegedly received from the EU were frozen. Orbán wants those European billions in exchange for NATO membership,” says Bos.
“Orbán wants those European billions in exchange for NATO membership”
Friends of Orban
The central European country is also concerned about the security of NATO countries if Finland joins the alliance. The country shares a border of more than 1,300 kilometers with Russia. “I think this has more to do with the Hungarian prime minister’s close friendship with Putin,” says the Hungary correspondent.
Besides Hungary, Turkey is also against it. According to Bos, Orbán is copying the Turkish president’s negotiating techniques. ‘In exchange for NATO membership, Erdogan wants the extradition of political opponents who are now in Finland and Sweden. So Orbán does pretty much the same thing.’
Sign of the cross
Bos expects Hungary will eventually support both countries joining. “Hungary is in desperate need of the EU and EU money and that’s why I assume the country will cross the bridge after a long quarrel,” says Bos.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
