The Hungarian Parliament approved Sweden’s accession to NATO by 188 votes to six on Monday, the 26th of February, removing the final obstacle to Sweden becoming the 32nd member of the military alliance and marking a historic shift for the traditionally neutral Nordic country, reports Reuters.
The vote ended months of delays and was prefaced by a Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s visit to Hungary on Friday, during which the two countries signed an arms treaty.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced a historic step away from 200 years of neutrality, saying that Sweden is joining NATO to strengthen its defence capabilities and
to defend freedom, democracy and shared values in cooperation with other Member States.
The government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban faced pressure from NATO allies to confirm Sweden’s accession to the alliance.
“Sweden’s membership of NATO will make us all stronger and safer,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on X.
Sweden’s decision to join NATO, following Finland’s lead, is seen by Western leaders as an unintended success by Russian President Vladimir Putin – an expansion of the alliance that contradicts Putin’s aims in launching the war in Ukraine.
“As far as Russia is concerned, the only thing we can expect is that they will not like Sweden becoming a member of NATO,” Kristerson was quoted as saying, noting that they are prepared for different outcomes.
The accession of Sweden and Finland is the most significant expansion of the alliance since it welcomed members from Eastern Europe after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Although Sweden has increased its cooperation with NATO in recent decades, its membership will simplify defence planning and cooperation on the Alliance’s northern flank.
According to Robert Dalsjo of the Swedish Defence Research Agency, Sweden’s accession removes uncertainty in northern Europe and gives NATO a serious and capable member.
Sweden’s contributions, including modern submarines and a substantial fleet of Gripen fighters, will enhance NATO’s capabilities. The country is also expected to increase its military spending and reach NATO’s 2% of GDP threshold this year.
Also read: Sweden promises to station 600 troops in Latvia
Also read: Sweden pledges new military aid to Ukraine as NATO membership approaches
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