Sweden has cleared its final obstacle to joining Nato after Hungary’s parliament voted to ratify the bid, writes BBC.

The Nordic nation applied to join the defence alliance after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Every member must approve a new joiner, and Hungary had delayed, accusing Sweden of being hostile to it. But last week Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the two countries were now “prepared to die for each other”.

All Nato members are expected to help an ally which comes under attack.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said it was a “historic day” and a “big step” for Sweden to abandon 200 years of neutrality: “Sweden is an outstanding country, but we are joining NATO to even better defend everything we are and everything we believe in”.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the Hungarian decision made the alliance “stronger and safer”.