Sweden to follow Finland in applying to join Nato after governing party drops opposition
‘Historic’ move announced hours after neighbour Finland said it intends to apply to join bloc
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sweden is set to follow Finland in applying to join Nato after the country’s ruling Social Democrats party announced on Sunday it was dropping its long-standing opposition to membership of the bloc.
Swedish prime minister Magdalena Andersson said a formal application to join the military alliance could be made within days, in light of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
At a news conference, she said Sweden would be in a “very vulnerable” position if it did not join, adding: “We believe Sweden needs the formal security guarantees that come with membership in Nato.”
The plan to join the alliance will be discussed in Sweden’s parliament on Monday, after which Ms Andersson’s cabinet will make an announcement.
![File photo of Swedish PM Magdalena Andersson [L] and Finnish PM Sanna Marin](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/04/13/17/FINLANDIA-SUECIA_OTAN_59214.jpg)
During the Second World War, Sweden stayed neutral and has avoided joining military alliances for more than 200 years.
Earlier, its neighbour Finland, which shares a border with Russia, announced its intention to apply to join Nato.
Helsinki is expected to endorse the decision in the coming days, to be followed by the submission of a formal membership application next week, Finnish president Sauli Niinisto said.
Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said that it would be a “historic moment” if the two Nordic nations applied for membership.
“Their membership in Nato would increase our shared security, demonstrate that Nato’s door is open, and that aggression does not pay,” he said.
Boris Johnson, who visited both countries last week, has said that the UK would strongly support their applications.
Russia sees Nato as a security threat and has warned of “consequences” if the alliance moves further eastward.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments