Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (picture alliance / TT NEWS AGENCY / Magnus Lejhall / TT)
“Sweden is now leaving behind 200 years of neutrality and non-alignment. This is a big step, but also a very natural step,” Kristersson said at a press conference in Stockholm. Chancellor Scholz emphasized that the decision strengthens the security of Europe and the world. NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg made a similar statement.
Estonian Prime Minister Kallas wrote on X that Sweden’s accession also sent a signal to Russia. US President Biden announced through a spokeswoman that the NATO alliance was encouraging the Hungarian government to complete the process for Sweden’s admission as soon as possible.
Broad approval in the parliament in Budapest
After parliament’s approval, the new Hungarian President Sulyok must now sign the ratification. The MPs in Budapest had approved Sweden’s accession to NATO with a large majority. 188 MPs voted for ratification, six voted against. This means that nothing stands in the way of Sweden’s inclusion in the transatlantic defense alliance.
Hungary was the last of the 31 NATO member countries to still be ratified. Internal EU conflicts over Sweden’s criticism of the rule of law in Hungary had delayed the decision.
Arms agreement in advance of the vote
Prime Minister Orban’s Fidesz party signaled support for ratifying the proposal just a few days ago. This was preceded by a visit by the Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson to Budapest. Orban emphasized that it was important to resolve bilateral disputes. This was done “in a dignified manner” by the Swedish Prime Minister’s visit, Orban continued.
After the meeting, it was announced that Hungary would, among other things, purchase four new Swedish Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets. An agreement was also reached to maintain additional fighter aircraft. Details on the financial conditions were not given.
Concern about Russian expansionism
Sweden applied to join NATO in May 2022 together with Finland in response to the Russian attack on Ukraine. Finland was accepted into the alliance as the 31st member in April 2023, while Sweden struggled for many months longer to avoid ratifications by NATO members Turkey and Hungary. Turkey ended its blockade in January.
This message was sent on February 26, 2024 on the Deutschlandfunk program.