The Parliament of Spain endorsed the entry of Sweden and Finland to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Thursday, bringing the two countries a step closer to joining the alliance. 

According to reports, the NATO accession protocol for the two countries, approved in July, needs the endorsement of all members of the parliament before its defense clause can protect Sweden and Finland. 

Following Spain's ratification, only five countries remain on the list. 

Ratification could take up to a year. 

Reports said the lower house approved the accession with 290 votes in favor, 11 votes against, and 47 abstentions. 

"It is a historic result because we are consolidating NATO as an alliance of free and voluntary democracies that are united to defend peace," said Sergio Gutierrez, a lawmaker for the ruling Socialist Party. 

Sweden and Finland applied for membership in the 30-nation alliance in response to Russia's Feb. 24 actions.  

However, Russia has repeatedly warned the two countries against joining the alliance.