As a direct result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland applied to join the alliance last May.
By Le Figaro with AFP
Published 3/27/2023 at 6:24 PM, updated 3/27/2023 at 7:02 PM
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The Hungarian Parliament has this Monday 27th ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP
Hungary’s parliament, dominated by nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party, on Monday, March 27, ratified Finland’s NATO entry after months of hesitation, bringing the Nordic country a step closer to the Atlantic alliance. A large majority of MEPs (182 out of 199 seats) approved Helsinki’s entry into NATO, while the case of Sweden will be discussed “later”.
Among the 30 members of the organization, 28 countries (United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany) have already ratified the membership of the two countries. Finland had applied to join the alliance at the same time as Sweden last May as a direct result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland, which was forced into neutrality by Moscow after its war with the Soviet Union during World War II, shares the longest European border (1340 km) with Russia after Ukraine.
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Turkey still in reserve for Sweden
In mid-March, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave the go-ahead for Finland. The vote in Parliament could take place shortly. The situation is more difficult with the Swedish neighbor, who is still confronted with objections from Ankara. Turkey mainly accuses Sweden of being a haven for Kurdish “terrorist” fighters and refusing extraditions, which are actually decided by the Swedish judiciary. Stockholm is also concerned about the delay in Budapest, despite official support from the Orban government.
Last week, the Hungarian Prime Minister’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, said there was a “good chance” the vote would come during the parliament’s spring session, which ends on June 15. But the Fidesz party is dragging its feet. He has repeatedly denounced the “lies” about the rule of law in Hungary spread by Swedish politicians, while Viktor Orban is regularly accused of “authoritarian drifts” by international organizations.
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For the Hungarian opposition, this delay “serves the interests” of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom Viktor Orban wants to maintain ties, said Monday, March 27, in the plenary chamber-elect Ferenc Gerencser. Another cause for concern on the Swedish side is that Hungary is using its membership of the Atlantic Alliance as leverage in its fight against the European Union.
Billions of euros in funds destined for Budapest are currently being frozen by Brussels because of reforms to improve the fight against corruption.