Hungary's Orban Says Better Relations With Sweden Needed Before NATO Membership

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (file photo)

Relations between Hungary and Sweden must improve before the Nordic state's bid for NATO membership is approved, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said at the Qatar Economic Forum. Sweden and its neighbor Finland asked to join the military alliance last year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But Sweden's application has been held up by Turkey and Hungary, with Budapest citing grievances over Swedish criticism of Orban's record on democracy and the rule of law. There is no date yet when the Hungarian parliament will vote on the Swedish admission bid, which must be ratified by all 30 members. To read the original story by Reuters, click here.