Hungary still holds Sweden’s application to NATO at bay, citing the country’s past criticism of Viktor Orbán and his government. The Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said that Sweden will have to take steps to amend past actions in order to receive admission to the defence bloc.
Sweden and Finland decided to join NATO, changing decades of neutrality, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland has been cleared to join, while Sweden is getting roadblocks to its admission from Turkey and Hungary.
Kovacs wrote on his blog that “there is an ample amount of grievances that need to be addressed before the country’s admission is ratified,” adding that the Nordic country used “their political influence to harm Hungarian interests.” He also stated that because of Turkey’s complaints, there is not much room for discussion and that the Swedish government needs to “start changing their tune and help these lingering wounds heal.”
Turkey is holding off Sweden’s admission due to accusation that Stockholm harbours Kurdish militants. On Thursday’s night Ankara ratified Finland’s application. Following this, the Nordic country will enter NATO in the upcoming weeks.
