After months of delay, Hungary's parliament has approved Sweden's accession to NATO, paving the way for the Nordic country's historic entry into the alliance. This move comes following Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's visit to Hungary, where the two nations signed an arms deal.
Sweden's decision to join NATO marks a significant shift from its long-standing policy of neutrality, which has remained intact for over two centuries. This move has been driven by concerns over Russia's aggression, particularly after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
With Sweden's entry into NATO, the alliance will gain a member with advanced capabilities and strategic assets. Sweden brings expertise in undersea warfare, with its cutting-edge submarines, as well as a fleet of domestically produced Gripen fighter jets. It is also expected to meet NATO's target of spending 2% of its GDP on defense this year.
This expansion of NATO comes amidst tensions with Russia, which has strongly opposed Sweden's membership. Analysts believe that Sweden's accession will further strain relations between the two countries and may prompt unpredictable responses from Russia. However, Sweden remains prepared for all scenarios.
Sweden's decision to join NATO has been widely supported within the country, with a majority of citizens believing it is the right choice. The accession process is expected to be swift, with the remaining formalities likely to be completed within a matter of days.