Sweden joined the alliance at a time when European security worries have increased in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine.
After decades of post-World War II neutrality, Sweden has officially joined as the 32nd membership of the transatlantic military alliance. It occurs at a time when worries about European security have grown in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As Sweden became a member, US President Joe Biden thanked it and noted that this showed that the alliance had become stronger rather than weaker as a result of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement, Biden stated, “Putin believed he might weaken Europe and divide NATO when he launched his savage war of aggression on the people of Ukraine.”
Rather, Biden stated, “two of our close allies, with two very competent militaries, Sweden and Finland, made a historic choice to submit applications for full membership in NATO in May 2022. NATO stands stronger, more driven, and dynamic than ever—now 32 nations strong—with the arrival of Sweden today.”
The “instrument of accession” for Stockholm was formally placed at the US State Department at a ceremony that was chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
“For Sweden, this is a historical time. This is significant for the partnership. For the transatlantic alliance, it’s historic, Blinken declared. “We have a larger and stronger NATO alliance than ever before.”
Kristersson was scheduled to visit the White House later on Thursday and then attend Biden’s State of the Union speech as an honoured guest.
“A historic day,” according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, was another description.
In a statement, he declared that Sweden “will be taking its rightful place at the table, with a comparable role regarding NATO policies and decisions.”
The Swedish flag will be hoisted in Brussels on Monday, granting the Nordic nation protection under Article 5, the ultimate guarantee of allies’ freedom and security. NATO members are required to assist an ally in danger, a requirement Sweden has requested since Russia invaded Ukraine. The US has only used this protection once since the 9/11 attacks.
Stockholm’s accession to NATO strengthens the alliance, making it safer and more secure. Stoltenberg believes this move demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open and every nation has the right to choose its path. Sweden and Finland, which joined last year, abandoned military neutrality after Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022.
Biden is expected to use Stockholm membership decision to increase calls for Republican approval of stalled military assistance to Ukraine as the war enters its third year, and both Biden and NATO have pledged Ukraine’s eventual membership.
NATO countries Turkey and Hungary had earlier objected, delaying Sweden’s admission. Turkey voiced worry that Sweden was providing sanctuary to Kurdish organisations that it considers terrorist organisations, and that Viktor Orban, the populist president of Hungary, had demonstrated pro-Russian sympathies and did not share the alliance’s resolve to defend Ukraine.
Hungary accepted Sweden’s admittance last week, following months of delay from Turkey earlier in the year.
