In an annual state of the nation address, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that Hungary could ratify Sweden's NATO bid once the parliament reconvenes for its spring session on February 26. Orban expressed confidence in the restoration of trust between the two countries and emphasized the progress made towards Sweden's accession to the military alliance.

Hungary, the last NATO member to approve Sweden's bid, initially had concerns that were later addressed prior to the upcoming vote. Orban's Fidesz party expressed its support for Sweden's NATO membership, following discussions with NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

After Finland's successful entry into NATO in April 2023, doubling the alliance's border with Russia, Sweden's bid faced obstacles. Orban, who has been seen as close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, initially did not oppose Sweden's NATO membership but later worked to delay the process.

Following Turkey's approval of Sweden's accession, leaving Hungary as the sole holdout, Orban has taken steps to permit the ratification process to move forward. The upcoming parliamentary session in February is poised to mark a significant milestone in Sweden's NATO bid approval.