<p>Hungary's parliament on Monday (Feb 26) ratified Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The parliament has cleared the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bid was approved by the Parliament with 188 votes for and six votes against the Nordic nation's accession.&nbsp;In response, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that it was a "historic day".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The vote brings an end to more than a year of delays that enraged NATO allies as Ukraine fought Russian forces. When launched a "special operation" in the Ukrainian territory, it prompted Sweden and neighbouring Finland to apply to join the military alliance, ending a long-standing stance of non-alignment in both countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-treasury-official-voices-concerns-over-chinas-excess-capacity-assures-dollar-dominance-694004">US treasury official voices concerns over China's excess capacity, assures dollar dominance</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In a statement to X, Kristersson said: "Today is a historic day. The parliaments of all NATO member states have now voted in favour of Swedish accession to NATO. Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security."&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at a press conference about Russia's potential reaction, Kristersson said, "The only thing we can expect with any certainty is that they don't like Sweden becoming a member of NATO, nor Finland".&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Finland became the 31st member of the US-led security alliance in April last year, Sweden's bid had been stalled. Turkey ratified it only last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/central-european-shoppers-remain-cautious-amid-economic-uncertainty-despite-inflation-dip-694009">Central European shoppers remain cautious amid economic uncertainty despite inflation dip</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today is a historic day. The parliaments of all NATO member states have now voted in favour of Swedish accession to NATO. Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security.</p>
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<p>The move was hailed by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, who said that the military alliance would&nbsp;be "stronger".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Now that all Allies have approved, Sweden will become the 32nd #NATO Ally. Sweden's membership will make us all stronger and safer," the alliance's secretary-general wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a "historic day" for the alliance. "A historic day for our alliance. Sweden, we are looking forward to welcoming you to NATO very soon," Sunak wrote on his official X account.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States welcomed the vote.&nbsp;"We certainly do welcome the vote in the Hungarian parliament today and look forward to it being finalized," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hungary's parliament on Monday (Feb 26) ratified Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The parliament has cleared the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Hungary's parliament on Monday (Feb 26) ratified Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The parliament has cleared the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The bid was approved by the Parliament with 188 votes for and six votes against the Nordic nation's accession. In response, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that it was a "historic day". The vote brings an end to more than a year of delays that enraged NATO allies as Ukraine fought Russian forces. When launched a "special operation" in the Ukrainian territory, it prompted Sweden and neighbouring Finland to apply to join the military alliance, ending a long-standing stance of non-alignment in both countries. Also read: US treasury official voices concerns over China's excess capacity, assures dollar dominance In a statement to X, Kristersson said: "Today is a historic day. The parliaments of all NATO member states have now voted in favour of Swedish accession to NATO. Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security." While speaking at a press conference about Russia's potential reaction, Kristersson said, "The only thing we can expect with any certainty is that they don't like Sweden becoming a member of NATO, nor Finland". While Finland became the 31st member of the US-led security alliance in April last year, Sweden's bid had been stalled. Turkey ratified it only last month. Also read: Central European shoppers remain cautious amid economic uncertainty despite inflation dip Today is a historic day. The parliaments of all NATO member states have now voted in favour of Swedish accession to NATO. Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security. — SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) February 26, 2024 × The move was hailed by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, who said that the military alliance would be "stronger". "Now that all Allies have approved, Sweden will become the 32nd #NATO Ally. Sweden's membership will make us all stronger and safer," the alliance's secretary-general wrote on X. Watch this report: × UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a "historic day" for the alliance. "A historic day for our alliance. Sweden, we are looking forward to welcoming you to NATO very soon," Sunak wrote on his official X account. The United States welcomed the vote. "We certainly do welcome the vote in the Hungarian parliament today and look forward to it being finalized," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. (With inputs from agencies)

Hungary’s parliament ratifies Sweden’s NATO bid, Swedish prime minister calls it ‘historic day’

<p>Hungary Prime Minister Victor Orban said on Saturday (Feb 17) that Hungary was "on course" towards ratifying Sweden's NATO bid this month. Hungary remains last holdout before Sweden can join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Orban was delivering state-of-the-nation address when he spoke about the issue.</p>

<p>"The good news is that our current dispute with Sweden is moving towards a conclusion," Orban said in his state-of-the-nation address.</p>

<p>"Together with the Swedish PM, we have taken important steps in order to rebuild trust," he said. He did not elaborate more on this point.</p>

<p>"We are on course to ratify Sweden's accession to NATO at the beginning of parliament's spring session," he added</p>

<p>The Hungarian parliament is due to reconvene on February 26.</p>

<p>Sweden abandoned its decades-old policy of military neutrality after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and applied to become member of NATO. In order to include a new country in the alliance, all member countries need to give their assent.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Munich Security Conference 2024: Wars in West Asia and Ukraine in focus</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>'Nothing to negotiate'</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom expected hope that Hungary soon ratifies Sweden's accession to NATO. The minister made it clear that there would be no negotiations on the ratifications. Orban has invited Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to "negotiate" Sweden's accession.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-withdraws-forces-from-avdiivka-hours-after-signing-french-security-deal-691084">Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, hours after signing French security deal</a></strong></p>

<p>"There is nothing to negotiate, if there is a visit, it's not going to be a negotiation, that has been made very clear by my prime minister," said Billstrom earlier in the week.</p>

<p>Hungary supports Sweden in-principle but it has prolonged the ratification process. It has asked Sweden to stop "vilifying" Hungarian government. It is often accused of taking authoritarian turn.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The West has poured in billions and billions into Ukraine in humanitarian and military help. It was expected that after military help, Ukraine would stage a counteroffensive to win back territory lost to Russia. But this has not happened so far and Russian forces have been able to defend and dig-in.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hungary Prime Minister Victor Orban said on Saturday (Feb 17) that Hungary was "on course" towards ratifying Sweden's NATO bid this month. Hungary remains last holdout before Sweden can join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Hungary Prime Minister Victor Orban said on Saturday (Feb 17) that Hungary was "on course" towards ratifying Sweden's NATO bid this month. Hungary remains last holdout before Sweden can join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Orban was delivering state-of-the-nation address when he spoke about the issue. "The good news is that our current dispute with Sweden is moving towards a conclusion," Orban said in his state-of-the-nation address. "Together with the Swedish PM, we have taken important steps in order to rebuild trust," he said. He did not elaborate more on this point. "We are on course to ratify Sweden's accession to NATO at the beginning of parliament's spring session," he added The Hungarian parliament is due to reconvene on February 26. Sweden abandoned its decades-old policy of military neutrality after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and applied to become member of NATO. In order to include a new country in the alliance, all member countries need to give their assent. Watch | Munich Security Conference 2024: Wars in West Asia and Ukraine in focus × 'Nothing to negotiate' Earlier this week, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom expected hope that Hungary soon ratifies Sweden's accession to NATO. The minister made it clear that there would be no negotiations on the ratifications. Orban has invited Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to "negotiate" Sweden's accession. Also Read | Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, hours after signing French security deal "There is nothing to negotiate, if there is a visit, it's not going to be a negotiation, that has been made very clear by my prime minister," said Billstrom earlier in the week. Hungary supports Sweden in-principle but it has prolonged the ratification process. It has asked Sweden to stop "vilifying" Hungarian government. It is often accused of taking authoritarian turn. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The West has poured in billions and billions into Ukraine in humanitarian and military help. It was expected that after military help, Ukraine would stage a counteroffensive to win back territory lost to Russia. But this has not happened so far and Russian forces have been able to defend and dig-in. (With inputs from agencies)

Hungary may ratify Sweden’s NATO bid this month, hints PM Orban

<p>The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission will debate Sweden's NATO membership on Thursday (Nov 16). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted the bill to parliament for ratification three weeks ago, a step which was welcomed by Sweden and NATO. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Tuesday, the bill must be approved by the commission before a vote by the full general assembly.</p>

<p>Erdogan would then sign it into law.</p>

<p>Sweden and Finland had applied to join NATO last year to bolster their security after Russia launched a war against Ukraine. Finland's membership of the inter-governmental military was sealed in April this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Sweden's bid had been held up by Turkey and Hungary. Previously, Turkey had raised objections over Sweden's alleged harbouring of individuals who Ankara said were members of terrorist groups.</p>

<p>Since the Turkish parliament reopened on Oct 1, officials repeatedly&nbsp;said that Stockholm needed to take more concrete steps to clamp down on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militia before Ankara could ratify its membership bid.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-warns-sweden-to-take-concrete-steps-against-terrorism-to-garner-support-for-nato-bid-641772">Turkey asks Sweden to take 'concrete steps' against terrorism to garner support for NATO bid</a></strong></p>

<p>Nearly two weeks back, the parliament's foreign affairs commission said it would not speed up ratifying NATO membership. However, Erdogan said later he would try to facilitate it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine announced last Thursday (Nov 9) that a global peace summit for Ukraine might now take place in February 2024 - which is the second anniversary of the Russian offensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Volodymyr Zelensky's top adviser Ihor Zhovkva told Reuters that Ukraine would arrange a fourth meeting of national security advisers in late November or early December.</p>

<p>"And the Global Summit might take place in February 2024," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission will debate Sweden's NATO membership on Thursday (Nov 16). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted the bill to parliament for ratification three weeks ago, a step which was welcomed by Sweden and NATO.

The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission will debate Sweden's NATO membership on Thursday (Nov 16). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted the bill to parliament for ratification three weeks ago, a step which was welcomed by Sweden and NATO. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Tuesday, the bill must be approved by the commission before a vote by the full general assembly. Erdogan would then sign it into law. Sweden and Finland had applied to join NATO last year to bolster their security after Russia launched a war against Ukraine. Finland's membership of the inter-governmental military was sealed in April this year. However, Sweden's bid had been held up by Turkey and Hungary. Previously, Turkey had raised objections over Sweden's alleged harbouring of individuals who Ankara said were members of terrorist groups. Since the Turkish parliament reopened on Oct 1, officials repeatedly said that Stockholm needed to take more concrete steps to clamp down on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militia before Ankara could ratify its membership bid. Also read: Turkey asks Sweden to take 'concrete steps' against terrorism to garner support for NATO bid Nearly two weeks back, the parliament's foreign affairs commission said it would not speed up ratifying NATO membership. However, Erdogan said later he would try to facilitate it. Meanwhile, Ukraine announced last Thursday (Nov 9) that a global peace summit for Ukraine might now take place in February 2024 - which is the second anniversary of the Russian offensive. President Volodymyr Zelensky's top adviser Ihor Zhovkva told Reuters that Ukraine would arrange a fourth meeting of national security advisers in late November or early December. "And the Global Summit might take place in February 2024," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish parliament to debate Sweden's NATO bid on Nov 16