South Asian News Network

The Hungarian parliament has adopted a law on Sweden’s bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The bill, passed by 194 out of 199 MPs, seeks to bolster Hungary’s security through Swedish-Hungarian military cooperation and NATO membership. Elod Novak, an MP from the opposition party Our Homeland, voted against the bill, urging MPs to deny Sweden’s NATO entry.
Following the Turkish parliament’s approval of Sweden’s proposal on January 23, Hungary became the last of the 31 NATO member countries to do so. Sweden will officially join the alliance as the 32nd member at its next summit in Washington, DC, in July.
The bill must yet be signed by Hungary’s newly elected President, Tamas Sulyok, before it becomes law. Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hailed the ratification, calling it a historic day and stressing that Sweden is prepared to take responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security.
Sweden and Finland petitioned to join NATO after the Ukrainian conflict erupted in February 2022, which required unanimous consent from all NATO members.