Hungary Delays Sweden's NATO Bid Amid International Pressure

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's party boycotts parliament session aimed at ratifying Sweden's NATO membership, further straining relations with allies.

• Hungary's ruling Fidesz party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, boycotted a parliament session intended to ratify Sweden's bid for NATO membership, causing further delays.
• The boycott comes despite Orbán's previous assurances to NATO that Hungary would not be the last to ratify Sweden's membership, following Turkey's approval last month.
• Western ambassadors, including the U.S. envoy, attended the session in a symbolic show of support for Sweden, emphasizing the importance of the bid for regional security and alliance unity.
• Hungarian opposition parties and international allies express frustration and disappointment over the continued delay, with some suggesting potential sanctions against Hungary.
• Hungary remains the only NATO country not to ratify Stockholm's membership, a situation that has soured relations with the United States and raised concerns among other allies.

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