Sweden formally became the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Thursday, marking a significant shift from its decades-long post-World War II neutrality, amidst rising concerns about Russian aggression in Europe following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
At a ceremony held at the State Department, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken presided over the official depositing of Sweden's "instrument of accession" to NATO.
"This marks a historic milestone for Sweden, the alliance, and the transatlantic relationship," remarked Blinken. "With Sweden's accession, our NATO alliance is now stronger and more expansive than ever before."
Later in the day, Kristersson is scheduled to visit the White House and attend President Joe Biden's State of the Union address to Congress.
The White House hailed Sweden's membership in NATO as a development that will enhance the safety of the United States and its allies. "NATO remains the most formidable defensive alliance in history, essential for safeguarding the security of our citizens," a White House statement noted.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg described the occasion as "a momentous day" and emphasized that Sweden will now have an equal voice in shaping NATO policies and decisions.
The Swedish flag is set to be raised outside NATO headquarters in Brussels on Monday, symbolizing the country's full integration into the alliance. Stoltenberg underscored that Sweden now benefits from the protection provided under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which guarantees the collective defense of member states.
Article 5, which obliges all NATO members to come to the defense of any ally under attack, has been invoked only once – by the United States after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Sweden's accession to NATO strengthens the alliance, enhances Sweden's security, and bolsters overall alliance security, according to Stoltenberg.
Both Sweden and Finland, which joined NATO last year, abandoned their longstanding policy of military neutrality following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
President Biden is expected to highlight Sweden's NATO membership in his congressional address, portraying it as evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to divide and weaken the alliance have failed in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. Additionally, Biden is likely to use Sweden's decision to urge reluctant Republicans to approve stalled military assistance to Ukraine as the conflict enters its third year.
Biden and NATO allies have reiterated their commitment to eventual Ukrainian membership in the alliance. Despite initial objections from Turkey and Hungary, both countries have now ratified Sweden's admission, overcoming months of delay.
