Sweden’s NATO Membership is Close.

A senior member of Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party has indicated that a crucial vote on Sweden’s NATO membership could take place as soon as Monday, potentially ending over 18 months of delays by the nationalist government, much to the frustration of Hungary’s allies.

In a letter addressed to the parliament’s speaker on Tuesday, Máté Kocsis, the head of the Fidesz caucus, formally requested the scheduling of a vote for the first day of the upcoming spring session, commencing on Monday.

Kocsis affirmed Fidesz’s intention to support Sweden’s entry into the trans-Atlantic military alliance, marking a departure from their previous stance of blocking such a vote.

Among NATO’s 31 member states, Hungary stands as the sole nation yet to ratify Sweden’s bid. The Hungarian government, under increasing pressure, has delayed the decision for over a year and a half, aware that any new addition to the alliance necessitates unanimous approval.