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Flags of the member countries in front of the NATO headquarters in Brussels
Photo: Janine Schmitz / photothek.de / photothek / IMAGO
21 months ago, Sweden applied for membership in NATO - with Hungary's approval, the final hurdle has now been overcome.
The parliament in Budapest voted to admit Sweden into the military alliance.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party had recently signaled its support for the ratification of the proposal after a long blockade, so parliamentary approval was expected.
Hungary was the last NATO member whose consent to admit Sweden was still missing.
A country can only join NATO if all other existing member countries support it.
Orbán had emphasized in advance that it was important to clarify bilateral disputes before ratifying Sweden's accession to NATO.
This happened “in a dignified manner” with the visit of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson last Friday.
Attempts from outside to intervene in these disputes were not helpful.
Hungary is a sovereign state and does not tolerate any outside interference.
Orbán emphasized that agreements on military cooperation had also been concluded “for mutual benefit.”
He was referring to agreements for the purchase and maintenance of Swedish Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets, which were signed on Friday during Kristersson's visit.
Orbán further reiterated that he sees “no military solution” to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but only an end to the war through negotiations.
Orbán maintains good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Nevertheless, on Monday he described Russia as an aggressor in the Ukraine conflict.
An end to this war “in which Russia attacked Ukraine” should be brought about as soon as possible, he said.
Hungary calls for an immediate ceasefire.
czl/mfh/Reuters/AFP/dpa