Hungary PM Orban-Lawmakers Could Ratify Sweden Accession Over Summer

Wires reporting comments from Hungarian PM Viktor Orban regarding Sweden's NATO accession. States that "Hungary can convene lawmakers for Sweden [ratification] vote if needed," adding that "Hungary has the option to vote on Sweden's NATO entry in the summer." Alongside Turkey, Hungary is the only other NATO member that has not ratified Sweden's accession to the bloc. Turkey has both domestic political objections to the Swedish gov't (harbouring PKK terrorists, Koran-burning protestors) as well as designs on securing US Congressional support for purchasing F-16 jets, and holding up Sweden's accession is seen as notable leverage.

• In contrast, Hungary has all-but-dropped its objections to Sweden's accession, with Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stating on 4 July that "If there's movement there [in Turkey's stance], then of course we'll keep the promise that Hungary won't delay any country in terms of [NATO] membership,"
• At a presser, NATO Sec Gen Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged that "there are still gaps to bridge between Turkey and Sweden on NATO accession."