SWEDEN is getting closer to officially end its decades-old neutrality after Hungary’s parliament voted to ratify the Nordic country’s bid to join NATO.
Hungary’s move to approve Sweden’s accession to the world’s largest military alliance ended more than 18 months of delays.
The vote was supported by 188 lawmakers, with six against, and zero abstentions.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed the move as a “historic day” for Sweden and vowed that the Nordic country will shoulder its responsibility for regional security.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s signature, which will formally endorse the approval of Sweden’s NATO bid, was expected within days.
Both countries also signed a multimillion dollar defense agreement on Monday wherein Hungary will buy four modern Gripen fighter jets from Sweden.
Kristersson visited Hungary after lawmakers from the ruling party Fidesz demanded that the Swedish Prime Minister hold talks with Orban in Budapest before they consider supporting the Nordic country’s NATO bid.
The criticism of Hungary’s democracy by Swedish politicians resulted in tensions between the two countries.
Unanimous support among NATO members is necessary to allow the entry of new member states.
