Sweden Officially Becomes the 32nd Member of NATO, Breaking Over 200 Years of Neutrality Policy

The Kingdom of Sweden officially joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on March 7th, becoming its 32nd member. This is evidenced by the corresponding protocol published on the website of the U.S. State Department. The ceremony for raising Sweden's flag at NATO headquarters in Brussels is scheduled for Monday, March 11th.

"Sweden is a strong democracy with a highly capable military that shares our values and world view. Sweden's accession to NATO will make the United States and our allies even safer. NATO is the most powerful defence alliance in world history, and today it is as important as it was 75 years ago when it was founded in the aftermath of World War II," the White House statement said.

It is worth noting that Sweden had been awaiting ratification of its application by Hungary until the last moment. Despite promises from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban "not to be the last country to do so," Hungary continuously postponed this procedure and ultimately became the last country to ratify Sweden's application. Specifically, on February 26th, the Hungarian Parliament ratified the protocol approving Sweden's membership in the North Atlantic Alliance. On March 2nd, the document was signed by the Speaker of Parliament, and on March 5th, the newly elected President of Hungary, Tamás Sulyok, approved the protocol approving Sweden's membership in the North Atlantic Alliance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the completion of the procedure for Sweden's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the evening address on March 7th. He welcomed Sweden's accession to the Alliance, noting that it is now more protected from Russian aggression.

"Now, in the time of Russian aggression against everything that has made Europe peaceful and united, everyone sees how important it is to support alliances and partnerships, strengthen their own security and ensure the security of neighbours," he added. Zelensky reminded that Ukraine has always consistently supported Sweden's movement towards NATO and thanked Sweden for supporting Kyiv.

"There will be a day when Sweden, too, will be able to welcome Ukraine's accession to the Alliance," said Volodymyr Zelensky.

It is worth noting that Sweden, along with neighbouring Finland, sought to become NATO members after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. On June 29th, at the NATO summit in Madrid, NATO countries officially invited Finland and Sweden to become Alliance members.