Sweden officially joins NATO as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, marking the end of decades of post-World War II neutrality. This move comes amidst growing concerns about Russian aggression in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prompting Sweden’s accession to NATO.
The historic ceremony took place in Washington, where Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Secretary of State Antony Blinken presided over the event. Sweden’s “instrument of accession” to NATO was officially deposited at the State Department, solidifying its commitment to the alliance.
During his visit to the United States, Prime Minister Kristersson also had the opportunity to visit the White House and was a guest of honor at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg described the day as historic, emphasizing Sweden’s equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions.
With Sweden’s membership, Article 5 of NATO’s treaty, the collective security guarantee, now applies to the country, obligating all members to come to the aid of an ally under threat. This decision by Sweden and Finland to abandon their long-standing military neutrality in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine highlights the shifting geopolitical landscape in Europe.
President Biden is expected to cite Sweden’s accession to NATO as evidence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s failure to divide and weaken the alliance. He may use this decision to urge reluctant Republicans to approve military assistance to Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
Sweden’s path to NATO membership was not without challenges, as objections from NATO members Turkey and Hungary initially delayed the process. However, these objections were later resolved, paving the way for Sweden to officially join the alliance.
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