Abstract
Significance Orban made the announcement during his annual State of the Nation address. For 18 months, Budapest has delayed ratifying Sweden’s NATO membership, over Stockholm's criticism of the state of Hungarian democracy. Its transactional approach to this and other issues has tried the patience of its Western allies. Impacts While Hungary refuses to ratify its entry, Sweden cannot join the NATO alliance, exposing it to greater risk of Russian aggression. The block on Sweden’s NATO membership pleases Russia, which is seemingly repaying Hungary with cheap and reliable energy supplies. Hungary’s veto angers European partners who may be less inclined to unblock EU funds, although Hungary may believe the opposite is the case.
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