Hungarian Parliament approves Sweden’s NATO membership

The Hungarian Parliament approved Sweden’s accession to NATO with 188 votes in favor and 6 against.

There is now no obstacle for Sweden to become the 32nd member of NATO. Following Turkey, Hungary has also approved Sweden’s NATO membership. In the Hungarian Parliament, Sweden’s accession to NATO was approved with 188 votes in favor and 6 against in the vote. Six members of the right-wing “Our Homeland Movement” voted against it.

Members of the Our Homeland Movement accused the Hungarian government of treason for the vote, claiming that they were the only political movement to veto the path to the Third World War.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on Parliament to approve Sweden’s membership before the vote and said that Sweden’s accession would contribute to Hungary’s security. Hungary was the last obstacle to Sweden’s NATO membership after Turkey’s approval in January.

“Sweden is ready to assume its responsibility for European-Atlantic security” In a statement by the Swedish Prime Minister’s Office, it was said, “Today is a historic day. The parliaments of all NATO member countries voted in favor of Sweden’s NATO membership. Sweden is ready to assume its responsibility for European-Atlantic security.”

“Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the Hungarian Parliament’s approval of Sweden’s NATO membership, saying, “I welcome the Hungarian Parliament’s approval of Sweden’s NATO membership. With the approval of all allies, Sweden will become the 32nd NATO Ally. Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer.”

Hungary will purchase fighter jets from Sweden Last Friday, Prime Minister Orban hosted Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Budapest, and during a joint press conference, it was announced that an agreement had been reached for the sale of 4 Saab JAS 39 Gripen multi-role fighter jets produced by Swedish space and aviation company Saab to Hungary. The agreement came after Hungary’s announcement that it would lift the obstacle to Sweden’s NATO membership. Orban said that the purchase of fighter jets from Sweden would enhance Hungary’s air defense capabilities and its commitment to the NATO alliance.

Meanwhile, Sweden and its neighbor Finland applied for NATO membership in May 2022, following the war in Ukraine. Finland became the 31st member of the alliance in April last year, before Sweden.