Sweden joins NATO

Published 7 March 2024 at 17.35

Domestic. Sweden is now an official member of NATO. On Thursday night, the final steps of the process were completed in Washington. Ulf Kristersson calls it a “victory for freedom” and “democracy”.

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The government held an extra cabinet meeting in Stockholm during the afternoon to make a decision that Sweden should join the North Atlantic Treaty.

Just before 5:30 p.m., Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) handed over Sweden's instrument of accession to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. This means that Sweden is now a member of NATO and participates fully as an ally in the organization.

The handover took place during a press meeting with US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken in Washington DC.

– A good example of “Those who wait for something good”, said Blinken and then welcomed Sweden to the membership.

He also noted that Sweden is now breaking a 200-year tradition of neutrality, and this, according to Blinken, was important to do with thought of Putin.

“A victory for freedom”
Ulf Kristersson underlined how “proud” the Swedes are of this moment, which he called historic.

– We are humble but also proud. We will live up to the member states' high expectations, he said.

The prime minister also called this day “a victory for freedom”.

– Sweden has made a free, democratic and independent election to join NATO, he claimed.

Sweden's population has not been allowed a referendum on membership, which the politicians suddenly decided on in 2022.

Kristersson will give a “speech to the nation” at 7 p.m. ” on the occasion of Sweden's membership in NATO. The Swedish Prime Minister is also the guest of honor when Joe Biden gives his big speech in Washington tonight.

Sweden is now a member of NATO and we are thus a safer country. Thank you to all allies who welcome us as the 32nd member. We are stronger together.

— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) March 7, 2024