Hungary officially ratifies Sweden's NATO membership bid
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Budapest's decision and said that Sweden is now set to become the 32nd NATO ally.
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Photographers take pictures as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, center right, stands after addressing a parliament session, on the day lawmakers are expected to approve Sweden's accession into NATO, in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, Feb 26, 2024 (AP)
The Hungarian parliament on Monday voted to approve Sweden's bid to join the NATO alliance.
The vote, which was broadcasted on the Parliament's website, showed 188 deputies voting in favor, six against, and four abstentions.
Hungary’s parliament votes 188-6 to ratify Sweden’s bid to join NATO after more than 18 months of stalling, allowing the Nordic country to clear a final hurdle that had blocked its membership. pic.twitter.com/gHImG1W9fB
— The Recount (@therecount) February 26, 2024
Last Friday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told reporters that he and Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson have "managed to clarify our mutual good intentions" after the two agreed on a deal that involved the purchase of four Swedish-made fighter jets.
After Ankara ratified Sweden's membership on January 25, Budapest became the final NATO member to endorse the bid. Throughout the accession protocol, securing Ankara's approval proved challenging, particularly due to differences in reaching an agreement on the extradition of Kurdish individuals accused of involvement in terrorist operations.
Read more: Erdogan demands exiled journalist in Sweden in exchange for NATO bid
The US tied an F-16 aircraft deal with Turkey to Ankara's approval of Sweden's NATO membership, while Turkey called for the removal of arms embargoes imposed on Ankara by NATO allies, including Canada.
Sweden's interest in joining NATO has been a topic of discussion and consideration for several decades. In 1994, Sweden formally submitted its application to join NATO's Partnership for Peace program. Following the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, Sweden formally applied to join the alliance on May 18, 2022. Then, on July 5, 2022, NATO signed the accession protocol for Sweden to join.
Stoltenberg welcomes Budapest's approval
After the Hungarian Parliament's ratification, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Budapest's decision and said that Sweden is now set to become the 32nd NATO ally.
"I welcome the Hungarian parliament's vote to ratify Sweden’s membership in NATO. Now that all Allies have approved, Sweden will become the 32nd NATO Ally. Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer," Stoltenberg said on X.
I welcome the Hungarian parliament’s vote to ratify #Sweden’s membership in NATO. Now that all Allies have approved, Sweden will become the 32nd #NATO Ally. Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) February 26, 2024
