Hungary's Potential Obstruction of Sweden's NATO Membership

Hungary's parliament speaker, Laszlo Kover, has cast doubt on the need for Hungary to approve Sweden's bid to join NATO, potentially causing further delays in the process. Hungary's approval has been stalled since July due to concerns over criticism of Hungary's democratic backsliding by Swedish politicians. Hungary's foreign minister also recently expressed concerns over biased accusations against the Hungarian government. While most NATO members have ratified Sweden's bid, Hungary and Turkey have yet to do so, and both countries are coordinating their stance on the matter. It remains unclear whether the Swedish ratification will be on the agenda when Hungary's parliament reconvenes later this month.