Prague July 27, : The two chambers of the Czech Parliament have given their consent for NATO acceptance of Finland and Sweden the biggest expansion of the Western defense alliance in the last few years.The Chamber of Deputies voted nearly unanimously to approve the joining of the two Nordic countries in an overnight session that ended in the early hours of Saturday according to dpa news agency.
The Senate has voted in favor earlier in the month.
The final step to ratify in the Czech Republic is the signature of the President Milos Zeman.
The 77-year old is in support of the enlargement plans according to his spokesperson.
Finland and Sweden have not sought NATO membership for a long time.
However, the Russian attack of Ukraine affected the political equation as vast majority in both countries believed it was crucial to their security.
All 30 currently NATO member states must ratify the additions proposed.
In addition to that of the Czech Republic, two dozen have given their approval to date.
