Hungary set to ratify Sweden's NATO accession, clearing last hurdle.
Hungary expected to approve Sweden's NATO accession, finalizing Sweden's security policy shift after months of delays.
BUDAPEST/STOCKHOLM, Feb 26 - Hungary is expected to approve Sweden's NATO accession on Monday, marking the final step before Sweden formally joins the alliance. This move is significant for Sweden, which has maintained a policy of neutrality through two world wars and the Cold War.
The Hungarian parliament is anticipated to pass the vote smoothly, following a recent visit by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the signing of an arms deal between the two countries last Friday. This decision will put an end to months of delays that have stalled Sweden's security policy shift.
Sweden decided to abandon its non-alignment policy and seek safety within NATO following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. By joining NATO, Sweden will become the 32nd member of the alliance, a move that Western leaders say fulfills one of President Vladimir Putin's fears when he launched the war in Ukraine - the expansion of NATO.
Despite Finland joining NATO last year, Sweden faced delays primarily due to objections from Turkey and Hungary, both of which have closer ties with Russia compared to other NATO members. Turkey had withheld ratification, demanding stronger action against militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Sweden. Sweden adjusted its laws and relaxed rules on arms sales to meet Turkey's demands.
Hungary's delay in ratifying was less specific, with Budapest mainly expressing dissatisfaction with Swedish criticism of its democratic development under Prime Minister Viktor Orban. With Turkey now on board, Hungary remains the final obstacle, facing pressure from NATO allies to approve Sweden's accession.
The addition of Sweden and Finland, countries that have not engaged in war since 1814, represents the most significant expansion of NATO since its move into Eastern Europe in the 1990s. Sweden's membership is expected to streamline defence planning and cooperation on NATO's northern flank, offering resources such as advanced submarines and domestically produced Gripen fighter jets. Sweden has also increased its military spending and is set to reach NATO's 2% of GDP threshold this year.
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