Overview
Sweden has joined the European Union as the 32nd member of NATO, ending decades of neutrality after the Second World War. As fears of Russian aggression mount in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Sweden’s entry into NATO has major geopolitical implications.
Table of Contents
Background
Sweden’s Neutrality Legacy
Sweden has a long history of neutrality. Its strategic location in Northern Europe has kept it out of major power struggles and away from military alliances. However, the world has changed and Sweden’s position has changed.
The 2022 Invasion of Ukraine
Following Russia’s annexation of Ukraine in February 2022, the crisis reverberated around the world. The crisis highlighted the vulnerabilities of neighbours and reinforced the need for shared security. Sweden, located close to the Baltic and the Arctic seas, experienced the impact of the crisis first-hand.
The Path to NATO Membership
Accession Protocol
Sweden became an official NATO Invitee in July 2022, when NATO recognized the strategic importance of Sweden in the region and invited it to participate in meetings and coordination activities with its existing allies. Subsequently, all NATO members ratified Sweden’s accession protocol.
Ratification Process
By September 2022, the accession of Sweden to NATO had been ratified by the majority of NATO members. However, the ratification of the accession of Turkey and the accession of Hungary were still pending. On 26 January 2024, Turkey ratified Sweden’s membership, and on 7 March 2024, Hungary ratified its membership. With these final acclamations, Sweden became a full member of NATO on the same date.
The Historic Moment
The Ceremony
In the Benjamin Franklin Room of the State Department in Washington, D.C., on March 7th, 2024, Sweden’s “Instrument of Accession” was deposited and officially became a part of the European Union. The ceremony was hosted by Sweden’s Prime Minister, Mr. Ola Kristersson, and US Secretary of State, Mr. Antonio Blinken.
Blinken’s Remarks
Secretary Blinken said, “This is a momentous occasion for Sweden. It is a momentous moment for the NATO Alliance. It is momentous for the transatlantic relations. Our NATO is stronger and broader than ever before.
Kristersson’s Pledge
, Prime Minister of Sweden, said “We will strive to live up to the high standards set by all NATO allies, and stand united. Sweden will be a shining example of unity and solidarity.
Implications and Future Prospects
Enhanced Security
Sweden’s accession to NATO strengthens collective security in a world where threats are constantly changing. NATO Secretary General Jens stoltenberg called it “a momentous occasion.”
Diplomatic Engagements
After Sweden’s accession, Kristersson went to the White House to attend President Joe Biden’s address to the US Congress. The US White House said that Sweden’s accession would make the US and its allies more secure.
Conclusion
Sweden’s accession to NATO marks an important turning point in the country’s history. With the strengthening of the transatlantic relationship, Sweden’s unwavering support for collective defense highlights the evolving dynamics of international security. The days of neutrality are drawing to a close, ushering in a new era of active involvement and shared accountability.
How does Sweden’s accession to NATO affect Russia?
Sweden’s formal membership to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will have a major impact on Russia and the wider geopolitical environment. Let’s look at the specifics:
Strategic Shift in Northern Europe:
- Sweden’s membership in NATO is a departure from the country’s long-standing neutrality policy. For more than 200 years, Sweden has been a non-aligned country, but recent developments have led to a rethink.
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was at the heart of this change. Like Finland, Sweden recognized the need to take collective security precautions in the wake of Russian aggression.
- By acceding to NATO, Sweden now benefits from the protection provided by Article 5 of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union).
Operational Importance for NATO:
- Sweden’s accession plays an operational role in NATO’s response to Russian aggression.
- Sweden’s and Finland’s presence on the North Atlantic (Atlantic and European) flanks of NATO strengthens the defense plans for the Ukraine’s eastern flank (Baltic Sea to Alps).
- This guarantees that Russia will face formidable and interoperable forces on all sides of its western frontier.
Turkey’s Role:
- Turkey’s relations with NATO have been ambivalent and contentious. Turkey’s opposition to Sweden’s accession was reportedly motivated by worries about Sweden’s policies towards the PKK.
- Perhaps the biggest reason Turkey changed its mind was the possibility of getting F-16s from the US. President Erdoğan’s change of heart towards Sweden probably opened the door to this agreement4.
Russian Warnings and Responses:
- Both Finland and Sweden have been repeatedly warned by Russia that joining NATO would have “grave military and political repercussions.”
- In response to NATO’s enlargement along the Baltic Sea, Russia has threatened to bolster its defenses, including the possible deployment of nuclear weapons.
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