Fidesz party

The EU's top court fined Hungary 200 million euros ($216 million) and imposed a daily one-million-euro penalty for failing to follow the bloc's asylum laws and illegally deporting migrants.

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the EU elections. Voters are casting ballots in two dozen languages in 27 countries with scores of different campaign issues.

So here's a look at some key places to watch in the June 6-9 elections for a new European Parliament.

Hungary

Hungary's parliament is expected to ratify Sweden's NATO bid Monday, ending more than a year of delay that left fellow defence alliance partners furious as Ukraine fought off Russian troops.

Hungary remains the last obstacle to Stockholm's NATO membership after Türkiye ratified their request in January.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson arrived in Budapest on Feb. 23 for talks with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban ahead of a key parliamentary vote on Stockholm's bid to join NATO.

Hungary remains the last obstacle to the Nordic country's NATO membership after Türkiye's ratification last month, but its parliament is set to vote on Sweden's bid on Feb. 26.

Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has announced its intention to approve Sweden's NATO membership, marking a significant step in Stockholm's bid to join the defense alliance. The decision, reported by Reuters and the Financial Times, comes after Hungary's long-awaited endorsement, resolving a diplomatic standoff that delayed Sweden's accession to NATO.

Hungary's ruling Fidesz party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has indefinitely postponed the ratification of Sweden's NATO membership. This move unfolded during an emergency plenary session, specially convened at the opposition's request to address this crucial matter.

Evidently, Varga could not convince the EU Commission that Hungary has made enough progress and her resignation could be a sign that PM Vikor Orban has lost confidence in her. However, other factors might be in the background. The Justice Ministry was rocked by a major corruption and money-laundering scandal, as Varga's state secretary was selling lucrative bailiff positions for money.

President Novak, a former family affairs minister, is seen as a loyal ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, but also someone who cleverly navigates European diplomatic circles.

The Hungarian parliament, dominated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's right-wing Fidesz party, ratified Finland's NATO membership Monday after months of diplomatically charged delay.

A large majority of lawmakers -- 182 votes for versus six against -- approved the accession of the Nordic country into the military alliance.

Chairman of Fidesz Party Viktor Orban (C) takes his oath as Prime Minister of Hungary after he was re-elected for his fourth consecutive term in the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest, Hungary, 16 May 2022. EPA-EFE/Tibor Illyes