Sweden Gains Overwhelming Approval to Join NATO

Geopolitical Blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin

by [Your Name], [Publication Name]

Hungary’s parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden’s bid to join NATO on Monday, clearing the way for the Nordic nation’s accession to the alliance after nearly two years of intense negotiations and dealing a geopolitical blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Final Hurdle Cleared: Swedish Membership Secured

Getting approval from the Hungarian parliament was the final hurdle for Stockholm joining NATO. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited Budapest to discuss defense and security cooperation with his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orban. The two sides appeared to reconcile, agreeing on a deal that would see Hungary acquire four new Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets.

Overwhelming Support

Of the 194 members of parliament who voted, just six rejected Sweden’s accession.

“Today is a historic day,” Kristersson said on X shortly after the vote. “Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security.”

Sweden’s Formal Membership

Sweden will formally join the alliance after it submits its instrument of accession with the United States government, which is the depository of the North Atlantic Treaty. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed Sweden’s will become a member of the block now that all allies have approved its bid to join.

Strengthening the Bloc

“Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer,” he said.

32 Countries and Counting

With Sweden’s accession, NATO will count 32 countries among its members, an ironic twist given that Russia launched its war against Ukraine in part due to the alliance’s growth in Eastern Europe along Russia’s border.

Continued Eastern Expansion

Last year, Finland became the 31st NATO member, adding some 1,300 kilometers (830 miles) to the alliance’s frontier with Russia.

Benefits Under NATO Article 5

As NATO states, Finland and Sweden will enjoy the protection granted under Article 5 of the treaty that established the alliance – which states that an attack on one member is considered an attack against all.

Coming Together After Hurdles

Hungary and Turkey both softened their stance on Finland’s membership and approved its application last March. The Turkish parliament approved Sweden’s entry last month, after Stockholm tightened its anti-terror legislation and pledged closer cooperation with Turkey on security concerns.

Historic Day for Hungary

“Hungary has a vested interest in Europe’s security,” government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said after the vote on Monday. “In Sweden we have a strong and reliable ally who will benefit the future of NATO for the better.”

Western Concerns Addressed

NATO allies had been concerned that, while Orban was publicly supportive of Sweden’s bid, the country had spent months stalling. Budapest’s foot-dragging elicited concerns that Orban, the EU leader closest to Putin, was acting in a manner that benefited the Kremlin.

Positive Steps for Hungary

In recent weeks, however, Europe has had some success in getting Hungary to fall in line with the bloc’s foreign policy goals. Budapest earlier this month dropped its objections to an EU funding deal for Ukraine worth $50 billion, which Orban had vetoed in December on procedural grounds. Hungary denied there was any connection between the two.

A Crucial Time

Sweden’s accession to NATO comes at a crucial time in the war in Ukraine, with Russia finding renewed success on the battlefield and cracks appearing to emerge in Western support for Kyiv after two years of fighting. Focus has also shifted away from Europe since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel sparked war in the Middle East.

The Challenge of Winning Over Skeptical Voters

Politicians in Western democracies are struggling to convince an increasingly skeptical electorate that supporting Ukraine and stopping the march of authoritarianism abroad is a good use of billions of dollars’ worth of taxes when voters face other issues closer to home, such as coping with rising inflation.

[Your Name], [Publication Name]