U.S. Disappointed After Hungary's Ruling Party Holds Up Vote On Sweden's NATO Bid

U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman addresses the media after the parliamentary session ended without a vote in Budapest on February 5.

The United States is disappointed that Hungary's ruling party blocked an opportunity for a vote on Sweden's NATO bid, State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters on February 5. Hungary is the only NATO country that has not ratified Stockholm's membership application, souring relations with the United States and raising concerns among its allies. Earlier on February 5, Hungary's ruling party boycotted a parliament session on Sweden's NATO membership, postponing a vote on expansion. Hungary has said it supports the Swedish bid in principle but has dragged its feet on ratification.