Hungary’s parliament on Monday (Feb 26) ratified Sweden’s bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The parliament has cleared the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The bid was approved by the Parliament with 188 votes for and six votes against the Nordic nation’s accession. In response, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that it was a “historic day”.
The vote brings an end to more than a year of delays that enraged NATO allies as Ukraine fought Russian forces. When launched a “special operation” in the Ukrainian territory, it prompted Sweden and neighbouring Finland to apply to join the military alliance, ending a long-standing stance of non-alignment in both countries.
In a statement to X, Kristersson said: “Today is a historic day. The parliaments of all NATO member states have now voted in favour of Swedish accession to NATO. Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security.”
While speaking at a press conference about Russia’s potential reaction, Kristersson said, “The only thing we can expect with any certainty is that they don’t like Sweden becoming a member of NATO, nor Finland”.
While Finland became the 31st member of the US-led security alliance in April last year, Sweden’s bid had been stalled. Turkey ratified it only last month.
“Now that all Allies have approved, Sweden will become the 32nd #NATO Ally. Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer,” the alliance’s secretary-general wrote on X.
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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a “historic day” for the alliance. “A historic day for our alliance. Sweden, we are looking forward to welcoming you to NATO very soon,” Sunak wrote on his official X account.
The United States welcomed the vote. “We certainly do welcome the vote in the Hungarian parliament today and look forward to it being finalized,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.
(With inputs from agencies)
