Hungarian parliament acting speaker Sandor Lezsak has officially endorsed Sweden's accession to NATO following Hungary's ratification earlier this week, according to Reuters citing the parliament's voting records.

The legislation now awaits final approval from Hungary's acting president, Laszlo Kover, before it becomes law.

On February 26, the Hungarian parliament voted to ratify Stockholm's entry into the alliance, marking the culmination of months of delay.

Sweden and Finland sought to join NATO in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but their applications faced objections from Türkiye and Hungary.

After Türkiye ratified Sweden's NATO membership on January 25, Hungary was the last remaining member yet to approve Sweden's application.

The approval of Sweden's membership bid came after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson in Budapest on February 23. Both leaders pledged to enhance cooperation and signed a deal for Sweden to sell four JAS Gripen fighter jets to Hungary.

Hungary's previous delay in ratifying Sweden's NATO accession was partly due to concerns over the rule of law under Orban's leadership.

With Hungary's approval, Sweden is now on track to become NATO's 32nd member. The alliance operates under a unanimous consent rule, requiring all existing members to agree before a new country can join. (ILKHA)