North Macedonia approves Sweden, Finland's NATO bids

SKOPJE, North Macedonia

North Macedonia's parliament on Wednesday ratified Sweden and Finland’s accession protocols to join NATO.

Both bills ratifying the protocols got the consent of 103 deputies in the 120-seat parliament.

Speaking after the vote, Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi told of the difficulties North Macedonia faced during the NATO membership process.

"I wish the two friendly countries, Finland and Sweden, the fastest possible journey, success, and coordination in this great family, NATO," he said.

North Macedonia, the youngest member of NATO, became part of the alliance in March 2020, after Greece blocked it for years due to its former name, Macedonia.

Sweden and Finland were invited to join NATO after Türkiye lifted its veto on their membership following the signing of a trilateral memorandum on June 28.

But Turkish officials have said that if the countries fail to abide by the agreement, Türkiye could still block their membership bids.

All members of NATO have to approve of any newcomers.