Sweden is set to join NATO, the European and North American military alliance, after the Hungarian Parliament approved Sweden’s bid for membership.
All current members need to approve new members, with Hungary being the final country to approve Sweden’s membership of the organisation.
Sweden first applied to join NATO in 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
There have been tensions between Hungary and Sweden in recent years, with the Swedes accusing Hungary of democratic backsliding, while the Hungarians said Sweden acted as if it were morally superior to other countries. However, the two seem to have put these spats behind them, with Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, saying the two countries would: ‘die for each other’.
Turkey also initially vetoed Sweden’s application for membership, as it said Sweden was supporting Kurdish separatists. However, in January Turkey lifted its veto.
Sweden’s neighbour, Finland, joined NATO in 2023, in reaction to Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.
[Photo: Lucy Ivanova on Unsplash]