Hungary to discuss on Finland, Sweden's NATO bids next week

BUDAPEST

Hungary is set to make a decision on NATO membership applications by Sweden and Finland next week, a minister said on Thursday.

Gergely Gulyas, the minister of the Prime Minister's Office, said the government will discuss the matter after a report by the parliamentary delegation that was sent to meet lawmakers in Sweden and Finland.

Some Hungarian lawmakers from the ruling Fidesz party have expressed doubts about supporting the NATO membership applications of Sweden and Finland, claiming that Stockholm and Helsinki have spread lies about Hungary's democracy.

Gulyas criticized Sweden and Finland for making false accusations against Hungary, which he claimed was not in line with the spirit of alliance.

He said Prime Minister Viktor Orban personally supports the NATO membership of the two countries.

Only Hungary and Türkiye have not yet ratified Sweden and Finland's requests for inclusion in the 30-member military alliance.