Sweden officially joins NATO

Sweden has become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Thursday, upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the Government of the United States in Washington DC, said NATO in a press release.

With Sweden’s accession, NATO now counts 32 countries among its members.

“This is a historic day. Sweden will now take its rightful place at NATO’s table, with an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions. After over 200 years of non-alignment Sweden now enjoys the protection granted under Article 5, the ultimate guarantee of Allies’ freedom and security. Sweden brings with it capable armed forces and a first-class defence 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,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in the press release.

Sweden’s flag will be raised alongside those of the other 31 Allies in a ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Monday, and simultaneously at NATO commands across Europe and North America.