GROWTH: Sweden clears final hurdle in bid to join NATO after Hungary approves accession.

Getting approval from the Hungarian parliament was the final hurdle for Stockholm joining NATO. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited Budapest on Friday to discuss defense and security cooperation with his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orban. The two sides appeared to reconcile, agreeing on a deal that would see Hungary acquire four new Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets.

Of the 194 members of parliament who voted, just six rejected Sweden’s accession.

“Today is a historic day,” Kristersson said on X shortly after the vote. “Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security.”

Sweden will formally join the alliance after it submits its instrument of accession with the United States government, which is the depository of the North Atlantic Treaty. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that Sweden will join the alliance now that all allies have approved Sweden’s bid to join.

Last week: B-1 Lancers Make Rare Landing in Sweden to Kick Off Bomber Task Force.

Plus: NATO Members Suddenly Poised To Meet Military Spending Targets Days After Trump Railed Against Alliance.

If Putin is unhappy with his neighbors joining defensive alliances, maybe he should try not invading his neighbors.