Hungary’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO membership bid
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Hungary’s parliament approved on Monday Sweden’s accession to NATO, bringing an end to months of diplomatic wrangling and paving the way for Sweden’s integration into NATO.
The approval came after a parliamentary meeting on Feb.23, since a total of 194 members of Hungarian parliament voted on the Sweden’s NATO membership bid, with 188 voting in favor of Sweden’s accession and 6 voting against.
Jens Stoltenberg, the outgoing NATO secretary general, said the move, which will see Sweden become the 32nd NATO ally, would “make us all stronger and safer”.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership in May 2022. Finland joined NATO in April 2023, while Sweden has faced rejection by Turkey and Hungary.
Turkey approved Sweden’s NATO membership bid on Jan.23, leaving Hungary the last remaining country to do so.
Hungary is the last of the 31st member states in the alliance to approve Sweden’s membership. Joining this military alliance requires the approval of all member states.