On Monday, the Hungarian parliament is expected to approve Finland’s NATO application – but Sweden’s application is postponed without explanation.
Foreign Minister Tobias Billström says that he has been in contact with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto to get an answer as to why they will not ratify Sweden’s application at the same time as Finland’s.
– I have asked questions about this. I have made it very clear that we expect to be ratified by them, says Billström i Report.
“Assuming he has reason for it”
Billström has said that he is “completely convinced” that Sweden will join NATO at this summer’s summit in Vilnius. The statement has provoked reactions from the previous government.
Former Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist questions Billström’s cross-certainty and wonders if that statement is a hope, an assessment or if the foreign minister has received information that allows him to withdraw NATO membership in advance.
– We cannot be sure how the outcome will be and therefore have to look at how we act in such a situation, says Peter Hultqvist (S).
Billström: “We are very welcome”
Foreign Minister Billström says that he is confident in saying so because so many NATO countries back Sweden.
– We know that we are very welcome in NATO by these 28 member states. That is a very clear and clear majority of NATO member states. As foreign minister, I feel very secure in this assumption, says Billström.