(VOVWORLD) -Hungary’s parliament has voted 188 to 6 to ratify Sweden’s bid to join NATO, bringing an end to more than 18 months of delays.
 The Hungarian Parliament session approves Sweden's NATO bid, in Budapest, February 26, 2024. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban submitted the protocols for approving Sweden’s entry into NATO in July, 2022, but the matter was stalled in parliament by governing party lawmakers.
Addressing lawmakers before the vote, Orban said that Sweden-Hungary military cooperation and Sweden’s NATO accession will strengthen Hungary’s security.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said the NATO alliance will soon be stronger.
The White House praised the action of the Hungarian Parliament and asked the Hungarian Government to quickly complete the process of allowing Sweden to join NATO.
German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz said Sweden’s NATO accession will enhance European and global security.