(VOVWORLD) - Hungary's ruling Fidesz party proposed on Tuesday that parliament should vote to ratify Sweden's bid to join NATO next Monday (February 26), a move that it would support.
 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban delivers his annual State of the Nation speech, in Budapest, Hungary, February 17, 2024. (Photo: Reuters) |
In a document asking the Speaker of parliament to include the vote in its agenda next Monday, the Fidesz party said that the group wishes to support Sweden's NATO bid.
Sweden applied to join NATO nearly two years ago, in a historic shift in policy prompted by Russia's special military operation in Ukraine. After a prolonged delay, Hungary will be the last NATO member to approve the Nordic country's bid to become the bloc's 32nd member.
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson welcomed news of Hungary's plans to ratify Sweden's NATO membership.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban had signalled on Saturday that parliament could soon ratify the Swedish bid when it convenes for its new spring session.