WASHINGTON, DC – After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sweden officially joined NATO on Thursday, abandoning its longstanding neutrality and rethinking its defense policy. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson handed over the accession documents to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, marking the final step in the process to become the alliance’s 32nd member.
The decision to join NATO was a significant shift for Sweden, a country that had remained neutral during both World Wars. However, the looming threat posed by Russian troops advancing towards Kyiv in February 2022 prompted Sweden, as well as its Nordic neighbor Finland, to reconsider their position outside of the alliance.
Finland’s decision to join NATO in April 2023, with its shared border with Russia, played a role in Sweden’s eventual accession. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken highlighted the drastic change in Sweden’s stance, from a 200-year-old policy of non-alignment to joining the alliance in response to escalating threats.
U.S. President Joe Biden praised Sweden’s accession, emphasizing the strengthened unity, determination, and dynamism of NATO. The move came just ahead of Biden’s State of the Union address, where he planned to highlight the importance of alliances like NATO in upholding democracy and international security.
The addition of Sweden to NATO was also welcomed by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who described it as a “historic moment.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for Sweden’s support, emphasizing the strength that comes from collective security and solidarity within the alliance.
Despite Finland’s smooth entry into NATO, Sweden faced obstacles from Turkey and Hungary, countries with friendly ties to Moscow. Tensions, particularly stemming from incidents like Quran-burning protests, delayed approval from these nations, eventually granted after months of deliberation.
NATO’s upcoming annual summit in Washington, DC, in July will celebrate the alliance’s 75th anniversary, with Sweden’s inclusion marking a significant milestone in NATO’s history. Kristersson’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and adherence to NATO’s values reflects Sweden’s dedication to contributing to the alliance’s mission.