The Turkish parliament on Thursday night unanimously ratified Finland’s entry into NATO, which has been blocked since May, days after Hungarian lawmakers gave their consent on Monday, AFP reported.

Finland’s request, now approved by all 30 NATO members, was ratified by 276 members of parliament, according to a live televised vote, but Sweden’s request, submitted at the same time, remains blocked by Ankara.

Sweden, also blocked by Hungary

Sweden and its neighbor Finland asked to join the NATO military alliance last year after Russia invaded Ukraine. But the process was blocked by Hungary and Turkey. After months of delay by Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party, Hungary’s parliament on Monday approved a bill to allow Finland to join NATO, but the Swedish bill is still blocked.

“In the case of Sweden, there are many issues that need to be resolved before this country’s accession can be ratified,” Kovacs wrote on his blog.

Swedish officials “repeatedly continued to strike at Hungary through diplomatic means, using their political influence to harm Hungary’s interests,” he said, referring to Swedish criticism of Orbán’s government’s erosion of the rule of law over the past 13 years.

According to him, Stockholm had a “hostile attitude” towards Budapest for years.

“Given Ankara’s irritation and displeasure with this combination, it doesn’t leave much room for maneuver, at least until the Swedes start to change their tune and help heal these lingering wounds,” Kovacs said.

(photo: DreamsTime / Erix2005)