Shaheen, Tillis Issue Joint Statement Urging Hungary to Immediately Approve Sweden’s NATO Accession Protocols

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), co-chairs of the bipartisan U.S. Senate NATO Observer Group, issued the following joint statement calling on Hungary to immediately approve NATO accession protocols for Sweden:

“The U.S. Senate NATO Observer Group calls on Prime Minister Viktor Orban to advance Sweden’s accession protocols to NATO without further delay,” said the Senators. “Sweden will bring unique capabilities to NATO that will help the Alliance meet both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s threats. Despite its numerous prior public commitments, Hungary is the last remaining NATO member to have not ratified Sweden’s bid and both time and patience are wearing thin. Hungary’s inaction risks irrevocably damaging its relationship with the United States and with NATO.

“In the nearly two years since Putin invaded Ukraine, NATO has been united in its support for freedom. It’s critical that we bring Sweden formally into the fold ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington. By welcoming a new member that shares a commitment to democracy and peace in Europe, the Alliance will be stronger and remain united in holding Putin accountable for his malign actions. It’s time Hungary upholds its commitment to the transatlantic family and immediately votes on Sweden’s accession protocols.”

As co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, which they re-started together in 2018, Shaheen and Tillis lead bipartisan efforts in the Senate in support of the transatlantic Alliance and as Sweden seeks accession into NATO. Shaheen and Tillis recently applauded ratification by Türkiye’s Parliament of Sweden’s NATO accession protocols.

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