Condemning democratic backsliding in Hungary.

recognizes the important role Hungary can play in European and transatlantic security;

condemns the ongoing democratic backsliding in Hungary, perpetuated by the closing of civil spaces and the consolidation of power at the highest levels of government, including the restrictions placed on the judicial system;

reaffirms the indispensable role a free and independent media plays in supporting government transparency and democratic accountability, and the efforts of the Government of Hungary to curtail and undermine such activities;

urges Hungary to continue working at the bilateral, multilateral, and regional levels on military cooperation, energy independence, and democratic resilience with other democratic actors;

expresses concern with the deepening relationship between Hungary, the Russian Federation, and the People’s Republic of China;

welcomes the vote of Hungary on February 26, 2024, ratifying the accession of Sweden to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); and

expresses regret that the Government of Hungary, as the last member of NATO to schedule a vote on the NATO membership of Sweden, unnecessarily prolonged the accession of Sweden to NATO.