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‘Historic day’: Sweden set to join Nato after Hungary approves bid

  • Nato membership will end Sweden’s long history of neutrality and military non-alignment
  • Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted Sweden and Finland to apply to join transatlantic bloc

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Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Photo: AFP

Sweden on Monday cleared its final obstacle to joining Nato after Hungary’s parliament ratified the bid in what Sweden’s prime minister called a “historic day”, while other alliance members expressed relief at the move spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg said Sweden would make the alliance “stronger and safer” while the United States, the main alliance power, as well as Britain and Germany welcomed Sweden’s now imminent accession.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that having Sweden in Nato “strengthens our defence alliance and with it the security of Europe and the world”.

Russia’s invasion two years ago prompted Sweden and neighbouring Finland to apply to join the transatlantic bloc, ending their long-standing stance of non-alignment.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban addressing a parliament session in Budapest. Photo: AP
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban addressing a parliament session in Budapest. Photo: AP

Every Nato member has to approve a new country however, and Hungary’s vote ended more than a year of delays that frustrated the other 31 nations as Ukraine battled Russian troops.

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