Hungary Set To Vote On Ratification Of Sweden's Accession 26 Feb

The Hungarian National Assembly is set to vote on the ratification of Sweden's NATO bid when it reconvenes following its winter break on Monday 26 February. The Hungarian gov't has long-delayed the ratification, despite claiming previously that it would not be the final country to do so (a claim disproved by Turkey's ratification in January).

• PM Viktor Orban and other figures from his right-wing populist Fidesz Party have previously said that comments from Swedish officials regarding EU rule of law violations in Hungary required explanations from PM Ulf Kristersson before the ratification could proceed.
• Given that Fidesz holds a two-thirds supermajority in the National Assembly, the ratification of Sweden's NATO bid is essentially a done-deal.
• Speaking on 19 Feb, Kristersson confirmed that he would travel to Budapest, although it now appears likely that this will take place after rather than prior to the ratification.
• Sweden's accession to NATO comes as the alliance finds itself in a position of long-term vulnerability. Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has indicated his unwillingness to continue to support NATO should he re-take the White House in November. Bringing Sweden, which possesses the fifth-largest navy in the world in terms of ships in service, into the alliance will prove a further boost in ensuring European security, particularly in and around the Baltic Sea.