On Monday, February 26th, Sweden progressed toward becoming the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), with the Hungarian parliament’s approval of its membership. This decision arrived after Sweden’s application to join the alliance in May 2022, an action prompted by Russia’s military activities in Ukraine.
For nearly three decades, Sweden has closely cooperated with NATO through involvement in operations for peace support, joint military exercises, and the exchange of intelligence.
Their possible inclusion is anticipated to bolster the security and stability within the Euro-Atlantic zone, while simultaneously posing a challenge to Russian dominion and hostility in the area.
The country’s move to join NATO signifies a shift in its approach to foreign and security policy, which, since World War II’s conclusion, has been characterized by military non-alignment. They have historically upheld a stance of neutrality during international tensions and conflicts, including during the Cold War, the Balkan conflicts, and the war in Iraq.
Nonetheless, the geopolitical landscape has evolved, with Russia’s actions in Crimea and military developments in the Baltic Sea altering Sweden’s perception of threats and strategic considerations.
Support for Sweden’s accession came from the majority of its political parties and was reflected in public sentiment, as well as from neighboring nations, notably Finland, which became a member of the organization in April 2023.
Despite this, the proposal encountered resistance from left-wing political factions and certain civil society organizations, who contended that joining NATO could encroach on Sweden’s sovereignty, necessitate increased defense expenditures, and provoke Russia.
Hungary’s consent to Sweden’s NATO membership was the final endorsement needed from NATO allies, following Turkey’s agreement in January 2024. Hungary had earlier withheld its support due to political discord over issues such as migration, democratic values, and human rights.
Subsequent diplomatic negotiations and a visit to Budapest by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson culminated in Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declaring his backing for Sweden’s NATO application.
Kristersson told the media at a news conference that,
“Sweden is now leaving 200 years of neutrality and nonalignment behind us. It is a big step. We must take that seriously. But it is also a very natural step that we are taking. Membership of NATO means that we now join a large number of democracies that work together for peace and freedom.“
Sweden’s formal accession to NATO is contingent upon the ratification of its Accession Protocol by all NATO members and the subsequent deposit of their ratification instruments in Washington, D.C., where the NATO treaty is housed.
This procedure is anticipated to conclude in the coming weeks. Following this, Sweden will be present at its inaugural NATO summit, scheduled for June 2024 in Brussels.
