Sweden’s government is officially asking to join NATO. The request had been in the air for some time. The Swedish decision has major consequences for the military balance of power in Europe. NATO has promised the northern European country a quick and smooth accession.
On Sunday, the social-democratic ruling party already gave the green light for the membership application. On Monday, the Swedish parliament also gave its approval. The official application is expected to be submitted this week.
“There is a broad majority in the Swedish parliament for joining NATO. This is the best step for Sweden and the Swedish people,” Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said.
In the past, Andersson’s party has opposed NATO membership. The prime minister reiterated that position at the last party congress in November. The war in Ukraine made joining NATO a topic of discussion in Sweden as well.
Neighboring Finland is also considering joining NATO. On Sunday, the country already took a first step in the process: President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced that the government supported a membership application. Parliament will consider the application on Monday.
Thirty NATO countries must approve accession
While the membership process is ongoing, Sweden will not be protected by NATO in the event of an attack. For that reason, the country will want security guarantees from a number of Member States. The United States, Germany and the United Kingdom have already committed to it.
Sweden will not be a full NATO member until all thirty members agree to join. This approval process can take up to a year. Only Turkey has objected to membership, but NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is confident he can allay this country’s concerns.
Russia sees NATO expansion as a threat to its own security and has warned Sweden (and Finland) of “serious military and political consequences”.