Source:AP
Hungary’s parliament gave its resounding approval on Monday to Sweden's NATO bid, marking a significant milestone after nearly two years of negotiations. This decision deals a geopolitical blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Sweden's accession to the alliance strengthens NATO's efforts to isolate Russia amidst its conflict in Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced an end to the protracted debate over Sweden's NATO membership following Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's visit to Budapest on Friday.
Hungary's 19-month delay in ratifying Sweden's membership raised doubts about its dependability among NATO members, including the United States. However, The deadlock was broken even though Sweden consented to give Hungary four more Gripen fighter aircraft to add to the 14 that the Hungarian Air Force currently possesses. Stockholm also promised to construct an AI research centre in Hungary in collaboration with Saab, the company that makes the Gripen jets.
The measure was received with resounding approval. With 188 votes in favour and six votes against in the 199-member Parliament, the majority of legislators in Parliament belong to the ruling Fidesz party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
“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.” said the prime minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, on x
"Sweden is leaving 200 years of neutrality and military non-alignment behind," Kristersson said in a news conference.
"We are joining NATO in order to defend what we are and everything we believe in even better. We are defending our freedom, our democracy, and our values together with others." He added.
Sweden will formally join NATO once they present their instrument of accession to the US government, the North Atlantic Treaty repository, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO secretary general, also welcomed the Hungarian parliament’s vote to ratify Sweden’s membership in NATO. He stated, “Now that all allies have approved, Sweden will become the 32nd NATO Ally. Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer.”
With Sweden's membership in NATO, the organisation now has 32 members overall. This development is significant in Russia's conflict with Ukraine, partly sparked by worries over NATO's expansion along Russia's border in Eastern Europe, Sweden's membership in NATO now totals 32 members overall.
Last year, the inclusion of Finland in NATO extended the alliance's border with Russia by approximately 1,300 kilometres.
Both Finland and Sweden stand to gain from the security guarantees articulated in Article 5 of NATO's treaty, which declares that an assault on any member is deemed an assault on all.
