On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Sweden became the newest member of NATO by depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the Government of the United States in Washington DC. With Sweden’s accession, NATO’s membership now includes 32 countries.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed, “This is a historic day. Sweden will now have an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions, taking its rightful place at NATO’s table. After over 200 years of non-alignment, Sweden now benefits from the protection granted under Article 5, the ultimate guarantee of Allies’ freedom and security. With capable armed forces and a first-class defense industry, Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer, and the whole Alliance more secure. Today’s accession demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open, and that every nation has the right to choose its own path.”
Just over two years ago, the idea of Sweden joining NATO seemed unlikely. Despite remaining neutral in both World Wars, the country, along with its Nordic neighbor Finland, became vigilant to the threat Moscow could pose to nearby countries outside the alliance when Russian troops began marching toward Kyiv in February 2022.
Finland smoothly became NATO’s 31st member without significant obstacles. However, Sweden’s efforts to join the bloc faced hurdles for months as Turkey and Hungary, with close ties to Moscow, delayed ratifying Stockholm’s accession. After months of delay, Turkey ratified Sweden’s admission earlier this year, and Hungary did so this week. NATO’s upcoming annual summit, scheduled for July in Washington, DC, will commemorate the alliance’s 75th anniversary.
The flag of Sweden will be hoisted alongside those of the other 31 Allies during a ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Monday, March 11, 2024. Simultaneously, the flag will be raised at NATO commands across Europe and North America.
