NATO formalizes Sweden’s accession to the bloc

Sweden officially joined NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) this Thursday (March 7, 2024). With Swedish membership, the military bloc now has 32 countries.

Swedish leaders, accompanied by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, met in Washington to deliver the final documentation to the United States Government. The prime minister was also invited to attend US President Joe Biden’s speech this Thursday (7th March).

“Today is a victory for freedom. Sweden is abandoning 200 years of neutrality and military non-alignment. This is a significant step, but also very natural”Kristersson told reporters.

In a statement, the White House said Sweden is a “robust democracy” with an army “highly trained” and who shares the same “values” e “vision” of the countries that make up the bloc. “Having her as a NATO ally will make the United States and our allies even safer”these.

The measure comes a week after Hungary’s Parliament approved Sweden’s entry into the military alliance. There were 188 votes in favor and 6 against. The Legislative House has 199 members.

The country was the last obstacle to Swedish membership in the alliance, as other NATO members had approved the Nordic country’s entry. To join the organization, all 31 members must approve. Otherwise, the candidate country will be denied membership in the community.

Sweden applied to NATO in May 2022 with Finland, but faced resistance from Turkey and Hungary. The Turkish parliament approved the candidacy on January 23, making it the penultimate country to give its approval.

The Hungarians blocked membership because of the Swedish government’s criticism of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s administration. However, after Turkish approval, the Hungarian prime minister resumed negotiations on the matter.