Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO on March 7, 2024, marking the end of its neutrality since World War II and its centuries-long stance of not aligning with major powers.
The accession process concluded as Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson handed over the final paperwork during his visit to Washington, solidifying Sweden’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and shared responsibilities within NATO.
“We will strive for unity, solidarity and burden-sharing, and will fully adhere to the Washington Treaty values: freedom, democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. Stronger together,” the Swedish prime minister’s official account said in a post on X.
Swedish prime minister handed over accession documents to the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC, after months-long process to gain the approval of all members to allow his country to become the alliance’s 32nd member.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, present at Biden’s State of the Union address, expressed humility and pride, affirming Sweden’s commitment to meet the expectations of its NATO allies.
United States President Joe Biden praised Sweden’s admission, stating that it demonstrates unity within the alliance in response to Russian aggression.
“When Putin launched his brutal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, he thought he could weaken Europe and divide NATO,” Biden said in a statement.
“Instead, in May 2022, Sweden and Finland — two of our close partners, with two highly capable militaries — made the historic decision to apply for full NATO membership,” Biden said. “With the addition of Sweden today, NATO stands more united, determined, and dynamic than ever — now 32 nations strong.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also hailed the occasion as historic, stating that Sweden will now have an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions.
The raising of the Swedish flag outside NATO headquarters in Brussels on March 11, will symbolize the country’s newfound protection under Article 5 of NATO’s treaty, ensuring collective security.
Biden reiterated calls for support to Ukraine and emphasized NATO’s commitment to its eventual membership.
Historic day for alliance
At a ceremony attended by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Sweden’s “instrument of accession” was formally deposited at the State Department.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken received the documents, which he said were the product of “nearly two years of tireless diplomacy” by NATO member.
Blinken emphasized the significance of this moment, emphasizing that NATO is now stronger and larger than ever.
“This is a historic moment for Sweden. It’s historic for the alliance. It’s historic for the transatlantic relationship,” Blinken said. “Our NATO alliance is now stronger, larger than it’s ever been.”
The admission of Sweden, previously delayed due to objections from Turkey and Hungary, reflected NATO’s openness and the collective determination to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.