'200 Years of Neutrality' Sweden Becomes NATO's 32nd Member Country

After Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Following Finland, Joining the European Security Umbrella
Hungarian Parliament's Ratification Bill to Be Delivered to the US

Sweden, which has maintained a neutral stance for over 200 years, has finally officially joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Following Finland, Sweden's entry under NATO's security umbrella after Russia's invasion of Ukraine is seen as a clear sign of the reshaping of the security landscape in Northern Europe.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

According to AFP and other sources, the Hungarian Parliament approved Sweden's NATO accession ratification bill in a plenary vote held in Budapest on the afternoon of the 26th (local time). Two years ago, Sweden abandoned its non-alignment policy and applied for NATO membership alongside Finland in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finland became the 31st member about 11 months later in April last year, but Sweden's accession was delayed relatively due to last-minute objections from T?rkiye and Hungary.

What remains now is a formal procedure. The ratification bill approved by the Hungarian Parliament will be signed by L?szl? K?v?r, Acting President of Hungary, and then delivered to the U.S. Department of State, the 'NATO Treaty Depositary.' Subsequently, upon an invitation from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Sweden will deposit the official instrument of accession agreeing to the NATO founding treaty with the U.S. Department of State, completing all accession procedures.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized, "We are joining NATO, leaving behind 200 years of neutrality and non-alignment," adding, "We will protect freedom and democracy together with other countries." NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the move via X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Sweden will now become the 32nd NATO ally," and "Sweden's accession will make us stronger and safer."

With Finland and now Sweden joining, NATO has established a complete encirclement of Russia in the strategically important Baltic Sea region. Along the Baltic coast lie Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave and NATO adversary, and Saint Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city on the mainland. Among these, Kaliningrad is considered a key Russian military base. NATO member countries adjacent to this area, such as Lithuania, have raised security concerns, alleging that Russia has deployed nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad.

Additionally, Sweden can provide NATO with advanced submarines suited for Baltic Sea conditions and domestically produced Gripen fighter jets. Sweden, known as a major military power in Northern Europe with strong naval forces and fighter jet production, is expected to accelerate strategic reorganization and strengthening within the NATO framework going forward.