Hungary approves Sweden’s bid to join NATO

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Monday celebrated the decision by Hungary’s parliament, saying on social media that it was a “historic day.” He said his country was ready to “shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic Security.” Hungary’s parliament voted 188-6 to approve Sweden’s application to join NATO.

What does this mean now? NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on social media that Sweden would become the 32nd alliance member, now that all member nations’ parliaments have approved its membership. Sweden and nearby Finland applied to join NATO just months after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Finland joined NATO last year, but Turkey and Hungary maintained their opposition to Sweden’s membership until recently, when Turkey approved its membership last month.

Dig deeper: Read Carolina Lumetta’s report in The Stew about how the U.S. House of Representatives is resisting pressure to increase aid to Ukraine amid its war with Russia.