In a historic development, Sweden has officially become the 32nd member of NATO, marking the end of two centuries of non-alignment and signaling a significant shift in European security dynamics amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hailed Sweden’s accession to NATO as a “victory for freedom” during a ceremony in Washington alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The move comes amid heightened tensions in the region following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg described Sweden’s entry as a “historic day,” emphasizing that Sweden would now have an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions. This move grants Sweden the protection under Article 5, the mutual defense clause of the alliance, enhancing the country’s security posture.
The decision to join NATO was met with anticipation in Sweden, with the government holding a special meeting to approve the accession. The Swedish flag is set to be raised at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Monday, signifying the country’s full integration into the alliance.
However, Russia has expressed strong opposition to Sweden’s NATO membership, warning of “countermeasures” in response, particularly if NATO troops and assets are deployed in the country. Sweden’s entry into NATO, along with Finland’s accession last year, means that all countries surrounding the Baltic Sea, except Russia, are now part of the US-led military alliance.
This development has led to the Baltic Sea being labeled a “NATO lake,” potentially limiting Russia’s strategic maneuverability in the region. Sweden’s decision to join NATO follows Finland’s successful accession in April 2023, marking a significant shift in the security landscape of Northern Europe.
Sweden’s path to NATO membership faced several challenges, including demands from Turkey regarding Stockholm’s stance on Kurdish militants and freedom of speech issues. However, with the approval of Hungary, the final obstacle was cleared, paving the way for Sweden’s full integration into the alliance.
Despite some reservations among the Swedish populace regarding the sacrifices made to join NATO, a majority believe that membership will strengthen the country’s security. As Sweden officially joins the ranks of NATO, it marks a new chapter in European security cooperation and underscores the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Sources By Agencies
