Sweden Joins the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

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Sweden’s entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) marks a significant milestone for the country and its allies. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s presence in Washington, where he is delivering the final documents, underscores the importance of this momentous decision.

Strengthening Global Security

According to the White House, Sweden’s membership in NATO will enhance the safety of both the United States and its allies. The official invitation from NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirms Sweden as the 32nd member of the alliance, a development that Prime Minister Kristersson announced on X.

A Landmark Decision

On Thursday, the Swedish government officially announced its decision to join NATO. This move, along with Finland’s membership, represents the most significant expansion of the organization in decades. With a shared border of 1,340 km with Russia, Sweden and Finland bring advanced submarines and a considerable fleet of Gripen fighter aircraft to bolster NATO’s defense capabilities.

Benefitting from Collective Defense

As a member of NATO, Sweden will enjoy the benefits of the alliance’s collective defense clause, wherein an attack on one member triggers a coordinated response from the entire alliance. This provision ensures that all member countries actively contribute to the defense and security of one another.

Responding to an Uncertain World

Prime Minister Kristersson aptly remarked, “We must face the world as it is, not as we wish it to be.” This sentiment followed Hungary’s recent approval of Sweden’s NATO membership, making Hungary the final country to ratify Sweden’s entry into the alliance.

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Russia’s Response

Russia has warned that it will take “political, military, and technical measures” in response to Sweden’s move. While both Sweden and Finland submitted their membership applications simultaneously, Finland was admitted to NATO last year. Sweden had to wait due to the delay caused by Turkey and Hungary, two countries with close ties to Russia. However, Turkey approved Sweden’s application in January, and Hungary postponed its decision until Prime Minister Kristersson’s recent visit to Budapest, where the two nations reached an agreement on fighter aircraft.

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