Sweden’s path to NATO membership reached its final hurdle on Monday as Hungary’s parliament ratified the bid, marking what Sweden’s prime minister hailed as a “historic day.” This development, prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was met with relief by other alliance members.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that Sweden’s accession would enhance the alliance, making it “stronger and safer.” The United States, alongside key allies Britain and Germany, welcomed Sweden’s imminent membership.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked that Sweden’s inclusion in NATO “strengthens our defense alliance and, consequently, the security of Europe and the world.”
Two years ago, Russia’s invasion spurred Sweden and neighboring Finland to depart from their longstanding policy of non-alignment and apply for NATO membership. However, every NATO member must approve the accession of a new country. Hungary’s vote, which came after more than a year of delays, ended the frustration among the other 31 nations, particularly as Ukraine faced off against Russian forces.
Finland successfully joined NATO in April of last year. In contrast, Sweden’s bid faced obstacles from both Hungary and Turkey, with Ankara only approving Stockholm’s candidacy last month. Hungary’s approval followed suit, with 188 parliament members voting in favor and six far-right deputies opposing the move.
“Today is a historic day… Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security,” Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson declared on X. Addressing concerns about Russia’s possible reaction, Kristersson stated at a press conference, “The only thing we can expect with any certainty is that they don’t like Sweden becoming a member of NATO, nor Finland.”
Looking ahead, Kristersson emphasized, “Nordic countries will have a common defense for the first time in 500 years… We remain friends, and we become allies.”
For a considerable time, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban had impeded Sweden’s NATO membership, yet he informed parliament that it would “strengthen Hungary’s security.” Despite expressing support for Swedish membership in principle, Hungary consistently prolonged the process, urging Stockholm to refrain from “vilifying” the Hungarian government.
Following a meeting on Friday between the nationalist Orban and Kristersson in Budapest, the Hungarian leader announced that they had clarified “our mutual good intentions.” Hungary further solidified ties by signing a deal to acquire four Swedish-made fighter jets, expanding its fleet of 14 Jas-39 Gripen fighters.
Hungary’s president is anticipated to sign the law within days. Once done, Sweden, which has maintained military neutrality for two centuries, will receive an invitation to accede to the Washington Treaty and officially become NATO’s 32nd member.
With this inclusion, all Baltic nations except Russia will now be part of the alliance.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, currently presiding over the G7 group of industrialized democracies, hailed Sweden’s entry into NATO as a reinforcement of the alliance’s commitment to peace and freedom on the European continent.
In addition to its NATO accession, Sweden finalized an accord in December granting the United States access to 17 Swedish military bases.
The impending membership has coincided with a sharpening of rhetoric from Swedish leaders. General Per Micael Buden, commander-in-chief of the Swedish military, cautioned in January that the Swedish people “must mentally prepare for war.”
“It is the last piece of the puzzle in the NATO map for northern Europe,” remarked Robert Dalsjo, an analyst for the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI).
The news of approval was largely met with cheers among the people in Sweden.
Jimmy Dahllof, 35, expressed that Sweden’s NATO membership would contribute to a sense of safety and foster closer ties with European neighbors.
“I am very relieved because we have been waiting so long,” shared Ingrid Lindskrog, a 73-year-old pensioner, reflecting the sentiments of many Swedes eagerly anticipating the approval.
Some experts viewed Hungary’s delay as a strategic move to extract concessions from the European Union, which has frozen funds due to the nationalist government’s policies. Others suggested it underscored Orban’s alignment with the presidents of Russia and Turkey.
Mate Szalai, an analyst at Venice’s Ca’ Foscari University, suggested that Orban’s actions were primarily aimed at his domestic audience.
“Orban wanted to push boundaries without significantly disrupting the trans-Atlantic community, all while demonstrating Hungary’s strength,” Szalai remarked. He further noted that many of Orban’s actions seemed designed to provoke Europe.
