Sweden officially joins NATO, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Sweden officially joins NATO, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality

LA Times  

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, right, poses at the State Department with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, holding Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession. Sweden on Thursday formally joined NATO as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality and centuries of broader nonalignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “Instead, in May 2022, Sweden and Finland — two of our close partners, with two highly capable militaries — made the historic decision to apply for full NATO membership,” Biden said. ”With the addition of Sweden today, NATO stands more united, determined, and dynamic than ever — now 32 nations strong.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken presided at a ceremony in which Sweden’s “instrument of accession” to the alliance was officially deposited at the State Department. He added that the move “demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open and that every nation has the right to choose its own path.” Sweden, along with Finland, which joined NATO last year, both abandoned long-standing military neutrality that was a hallmark of the Nordic states’ Cold War foreign policy after Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022.

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History of this topic

Finnish Independence Day: Finland’s journey from Cold War neutrality to NATO membership
2 weeks, 3 days ago

Finnish Independence Day: Finland’s journey from Cold War neutrality to NATO membership

The Hindu  

During the cold war, Finland was known as the border country between East and West. We have been full members of the European Union since 1995, and last year Finland joined the NATO defence alliance. For many years Finland cooperated closely with NATO without applying for membership. Rules-based order Finland believes that a rules-based international order with guiding principles regarding …

NATO’s newest members update their civil preparedness guides for risk of war
1 month ago

NATO’s newest members update their civil preparedness guides for risk of war

Associated Press  

HELSINKI — Sweden and Finland, which recently gave up neutrality and joined NATO following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sent out updated civil preparedness guides on Monday with instructions how to survive in war. In January, Sweden’s former military commander-in-chief Gen. Micael Bydén said it openly: Swedes should mentally prepare for the possibility of war. After a couple days, the …

Sweden will honor Blinken and others with knighthoods for their roles in its NATO accession
2 months ago

Sweden will honor Blinken and others with knighthoods for their roles in its NATO accession

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks …

Sweden’s foreign minister announces shock departure from politics
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Sweden’s foreign minister announces shock departure from politics

Associated Press  

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, who steered the Scandinavian country along a sometimes bumpy road to NATO membership and stood tall on supporting Ukraine, stunned the political establishment Wednesday by saying he was leaving the Swedish government next week. “It has not been an easy decision but something that I have thought about and processed for some …

US says Ukraine is on an 'irreversible' path to NATO membership. But only after war with Russia ends
5 months, 1 week ago

US says Ukraine is on an 'irreversible' path to NATO membership. But only after war with Russia ends

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ukraine is on an “irreversible” …

NATO leaders are descending on Washington. Here’s what to know
5 months, 2 weeks ago

NATO leaders are descending on Washington. Here’s what to know

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — NATO leaders meet this week for a summit commemorating the 75th anniversary of the military alliance, which has never been larger and more focused but is also facing potentially existential threats from outside and within. Although the new British prime minister has signaled continued strong support for both NATO and Ukraine, gains made by far-right parties, as well …

NATO newcomer Finland is now a ‘front-line state’ for the alliance, Finnish president says
8 months ago

NATO newcomer Finland is now a ‘front-line state’ for the alliance, Finnish president says

Associated Press  

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Tuesday that joining the NATO alliance a year ago has transformed his country into a “front-line state,” given that it has doubled the military bloc’s border with Russia. Finland, which became the 31st NATO member in April 202 3, has a 1,340-kilometer land border with Russia that runs mostly through thick forests …

Sweden Joins NATO: Implications for the Indo-Pacific
8 months ago

Sweden Joins NATO: Implications for the Indo-Pacific

The Diplomat  

On March 7, almost two years after it first submitted its application and a year after Finland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Sweden officially became NATO’s 32nd member. Sweden’s new status as a full-fledged NATO member has certainly bolstered the alliance in face of the Russian challenge; as Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO secretary general lauded, it will make “NATO …

Antony Blinken says Ukraine will become a member of NATO
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Antony Blinken says Ukraine will become a member of NATO

Daily Mail  

Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that Ukraine will become a member of NATO and insisted support for the embattled country and its president Volodymyr Zelensky is 'rock solid.' The former US President previously undermined NATO's collective defense guarantee by saying he'd encourage Russia to attack any members not spending enough on defense - and allegedly said he'd refuse …

Antony Blinken says Ukraine will become a member of NATO
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Antony Blinken says Ukraine will become a member of NATO

Daily Mail  

Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that Ukraine will become a member of NATO and insisted support for the embattled country and its president Volodymyr Zelensky is 'rock solid.' The former US President previously undermined NATO's collective defense guarantee by saying he'd encourage Russia to attack any members not spending enough on defense - and allegedly said he'd refuse …

Antony Blinken says Ukraine WILL become a member of NATO: Secretary of State insists global support for Zelensky is 'rock solid' after Kremlin said US-led alliance is now in 'direct confrontation' wit
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Antony Blinken says Ukraine WILL become a member of NATO: Secretary of State insists global support for Zelensky is 'rock solid' after Kremlin said US-led alliance is now in 'direct confrontation' wit

Daily Mail  

NATO is celebrating its 75th anniversary with leaders gathered in Brussels 'Ukraine will become a member of NATO,' he added Blinken: 'The support for Ukraine, the determination of every country represented here at NATO remains rock solid' Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that Ukraine will become a member of NATO and insisted support for the embattled country and …

A year of living less dangerously? Finland’s first 12 months in NATO
8 months, 2 weeks ago

A year of living less dangerously? Finland’s first 12 months in NATO

Al Jazeera  

Finland’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been to move away from policy of self-reliance and embrace the alliance. Tuomas Iso-Markku, a senior research fellow at FIIA, said the move would require Finland’s foreign policy leadership and the Finnish Defence Forces to “adjust their way of thinking and doing things”. However, Pusztai said that this minority is “not very …

Nordic tensions on the rise amid Russian anger over NATO accessions
9 months, 1 week ago

Nordic tensions on the rise amid Russian anger over NATO accessions

Al Jazeera  

Finland PM urges EU to step up defence spending and coordination, as tensions rise with Russia following NATO accession. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Wednesday warned that Moscow is gearing up for a “long conflict with the West” and Denmark revealed plans to boost defence spending, as Russia continued to condemn the expansion of the Western military alliance in …

Poland’s president calls on NATO allies to raise spending on defense to 3% of GDP
9 months, 1 week ago

Poland’s president calls on NATO allies to raise spending on defense to 3% of GDP

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s president on Monday called on other members of the NATO alliance to raise their spending on defense to 3% of their gross domestic product as Russia puts its economy on a war footing and pushes forward with its invasion of Ukraine. “In the face of the war in Ukraine and Russia’s growing imperial aspirations, the countries …

Sweden’s flag is raised at NATO headquarters to cement its place as the 32nd member of the alliance
9 months, 1 week ago

Sweden’s flag is raised at NATO headquarters to cement its place as the 32nd member of the alliance

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Sweden’s flag was raised at NATO headquarters on Monday, cementing the Nordic country’s place as the 32nd member two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine persuaded its reluctant public to seek safety under the alliance’s security umbrella. Under a steady rain, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Crown Princess Victoria and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg looked on as …

Flag of NATO’s 32nd member, Sweden, raised at alliance’s headquarters
9 months, 1 week ago

Flag of NATO’s 32nd member, Sweden, raised at alliance’s headquarters

Al Jazeera  

Sweden’s flag has been raised at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, marking the country’s entry into the military alliance two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg looked on as two soldiers on Monday raised the blue banner emblazoned with a yellow cross among the official circle of national flags at …

Sweden ends decades of neutrality to formally join NATO alliance
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Sweden ends decades of neutrality to formally join NATO alliance

Live Mint  

Sweden on Thursday became the 32nd member of NATO in the shadow of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, turning the page on two centuries of non-alignment and capping two years of tortuous diplomacy. President Joe Biden, whose rival Donald Trump has disparaged NATO as unfairly burdening the United States, said in a statement that the alliance was stronger and "more united, …

Sweden officially joins NATO as alliance's 32nd member
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Sweden officially joins NATO as alliance's 32nd member

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Sweden on Thursday formally joined NATO as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality and centuries of broader non-alignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “Instead, in May 2022, Sweden and Finland — two of our close partners, with two …

Why did Sweden join NATO even though Putin warned of harsh ramifications?
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Why did Sweden join NATO even though Putin warned of harsh ramifications?

India TV News  

Washington: Sweden on Thursday formally joined NATO as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality as concerns about Russian aggression in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “Our NATO alliance is now stronger, larger than it’s ever been.” CREDIT: AP What is NATO and why Sweden seeks NATO membership? …

Sweden officially joins NATO alliance, ending decades of neutrality
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Sweden officially joins NATO alliance, ending decades of neutrality

Al Jazeera  

The Nordic nation applied to join the military alliance in May 2022, but faced delays from Turkey and Hungary. Sweden has officially joined the NATO military alliance, ending decades of neutrality amid soaring concerns about Russia’s aggression in Europe following its invasion of Ukraine. “Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding lights as a NATO member,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf …

Victim of US' European security trap
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Victim of US' European security trap

China Daily  

A B-1B Lancer and a B-52 Stratofortress, escorted by Swedish Jas 39 Gripen, pass over Stockholm, Sweden, as the Swedish Armed Forces conduct a joint exercise with the US Bomber Task Force, March 6, 2024. Public support in Sweden for NATO membership surged from 35 percent in 2021 to 64 percent in 2022 after Russia launched its "special military operation" …

Victim of US' European security trap
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Victim of US' European security trap

China Daily  

A B-1B Lancer and a B-52 Stratofortress, escorted by Swedish Jas 39 Gripen, pass over Stockholm, Sweden, as the Swedish Armed Forces conduct a joint exercise with the US Bomber Task Force, March 6, 2024. Public support in Sweden for NATO membership surged from 35 percent in 2021 to 64 percent in 2022 after Russia launched its "special military operation" …

Hungary’s president formally signs the approval of Sweden’s NATO bid, removing last obstacle
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Hungary’s president formally signs the approval of Sweden’s NATO bid, removing last obstacle

LA Times  

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, left, and Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson attend a news conference during their meeting at Karlberg Palace in Solna, Stockholm, on Tuesday. Hungary’s president on Tuesday formally signed a bill approving Sweden’s NATO bid, removing the last obstacle after 18 months of delays that frustrated the alliance as it sought to expand in response to …

As Sweden joins NATO, it bids farewell to more than two centuries of neutrality
9 months, 3 weeks ago

As Sweden joins NATO, it bids farewell to more than two centuries of neutrality

Associated Press  

STOCKHOLM — Sweden’s last war ended in 1814, and when the rifles and cannons it aimed at Norway fell silent, the once-warring power would not take up arms again. “Sweden is now leaving 200 years of neutrality and nonalignment behind us,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said after Hungary’s Parliament gave its approval Monday, overcoming the final hurdle. Preserved in …

As Sweden joins NATO, it bids farewell to more than two centuries of neutrality
9 months, 3 weeks ago

As Sweden joins NATO, it bids farewell to more than two centuries of neutrality

LA Times  

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, left, shakes hands with his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orban, in Budapest. “Sweden is now leaving 200 years of neutrality and nonalignment behind us,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said after Hungary’s Parliament gave its approval Feb. 26, overcoming the final hurdle. Preserved in the Swedish National Archives and considered the oldest document on Sweden’s neutrality, …

Focus on Russia as Sweden completes NATO presence along the Baltic shore
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Focus on Russia as Sweden completes NATO presence along the Baltic shore

The Hindu  

Sweden's accession to NATO adds a final puzzle piece to the alliance around the shores of the strategically important Baltic Sea — but Russia still poses a threat above and below water. But analysts warn that while Sweden's entry makes it easier for NATO to exert control and reinforce its vulnerable Baltic states, Russia can still menace the region from …

Explained: How Sweden joining NATO is a win-win for both sides
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Explained: How Sweden joining NATO is a win-win for both sides

Firstpost  

Sweden will finally get to join NATO after Hungary passed a vote on the same. The military alliance will now have 32 members after Hungary, the final hurdle in Sweden’s path to membership, held a parliamentary vote to approve the move. Sweden’s prime minister Ulf Kristersson hailed the moment of the country joining NATO. The Wilson Centre in one of …

Sweden’s NATO accession ends era of go-it-alone security
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Sweden’s NATO accession ends era of go-it-alone security

The Hindu  

Sweden's final hurdle to joining NATO was swept away on February 26 after hold-out Hungary's ratification, ending 200 years during which Stockholm's military self-reliance helped it build a global brand as neutral peacemaker and human rights champion. "Sweden's historically strong voice on the issues of peace and disarmament seems to be going silent," said Kerstin Bergea, chairperson of the Swedish …

Timeline of Sweden’s bid to join the NATO alliance
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Timeline of Sweden’s bid to join the NATO alliance

Associated Press  

STOCKHOLM — Hungary’s parliament approved Sweden’s application to join NATO on Monday, paving the way for the Scandinavian country to become the alliance’s 32nd member. May 15, 2022: Andersson’s Social Democrats reverse course, saying Sweden would be better off joining NATO together with Finland. July 10, 2023: At a NATO summit in Lithuania, leaders say that Erdogan has promised to …

Here’s what to know about Sweden’s bumpy road toward NATO membership
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Here’s what to know about Sweden’s bumpy road toward NATO membership

Associated Press  

STOCKHOLM — Sweden’s bid to join NATO — held up for almost two years — cleared its last hurdle when Hungary gave its go-ahead Monday to let the Nordic country into the alliance. Now the parliament in Hungary has ratified Sweden’s bid to join NATO, bringing an end to more than 18 months of delays by the nationalist government. Not …

Hungary's parliament ratifies Sweden's NATO bid
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Hungary's parliament ratifies Sweden's NATO bid

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s parliament voted Monday to ratify Sweden’s bid to join NATO, ending more than 18 months of delays that frustrated the alliance as it sought to expand in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. But addressing lawmakers before the vote, Orbán said: “Sweden and Hungary’s military cooperation and Sweden’s NATO accession strengthen Hungary’s security.” NATO Secretary-General Jens …

Hungary ratifies Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing final obstacle to membership
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Hungary ratifies Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing final obstacle to membership

Al Jazeera  

Vote by Hungarian parliament ends more than 18 months of delays. “We stand ready to shoulder our share of the responsibility for NATO’s security,” Kristersson wrote on X. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said the military alliance would soon be “stronger”. “Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer.” Orban, a right-wing populist who has forged close ties with Russia, …

Hungary’s parliament ratifies Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle to membership
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Hungary’s parliament ratifies Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle to membership

LA Times  

Photographers take pictures as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, center right, stands after addressing a parliament session on the day lawmakers approved Sweden’s accession into NATO in Budapest, Hungary, on Monday. The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán submitted the protocols for approving Sweden’s entry into NATO in July 2022, but the matter had stalled in parliament over opposition by …

Hungary and Sweden agree on defense deal ahead of final vote on Sweden’s NATO accession
10 months ago

Hungary and Sweden agree on defense deal ahead of final vote on Sweden’s NATO accession

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — The prime ministers of Hungary and Sweden concluded a defense industry agreement on Friday that will expand Budapest’s fleet of Swedish-built fighter jets, paving the way for Hungary’s likely ratification of Sweden’s long-delayed NATO bid. Kristersson made the trip to Hungary after repeated invitations to do so by the Hungarian government, something Orbán had hinted would be …

Sweden and Hungary move to smooth over tensions ahead of vote on Sweden’s NATO accession
10 months ago

Sweden and Hungary move to smooth over tensions ahead of vote on Sweden’s NATO accession

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Nearly two years after Sweden formally applied to join NATO, its membership now hinges on convincing one country — Viktor Orbán’s Hungary — to formally ratify its bid to join the military alliance. Jens Wenzel, a Sweden-based defense analyst with Nordic Defence Analysis, a consultancy, said that Hungary’s delays in ratifying Sweden’s NATO bid has in part …

Sweden and Hungary move to smooth over tensions ahead of vote on Sweden’s NATO accession
10 months ago

Sweden and Hungary move to smooth over tensions ahead of vote on Sweden’s NATO accession

LA Times  

Nearly two years after Sweden formally applied to join NATO, its membership now hinges on convincing one country — Viktor Orbán’s Hungary — to formally ratify its bid to join the military alliance. Jens Wenzel, a Sweden-based defense analyst with Nordic Defence Analysis, a consultancy, said that Hungary’s delays in ratifying Sweden’s NATO bid has in part been a form …

Hungary’s governing party says it’s ready to approve Sweden’s NATO accession on Monday
10 months ago

Hungary’s governing party says it’s ready to approve Sweden’s NATO accession on Monday

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — A vote in Hungary’s parliament on ratifying Sweden’s bid to join NATO could come as early as Monday, according to a senior member of the country’s governing Fidesz party. On Sunday, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators visited Hungary and announced they would submit a joint resolution to Congress condemning alleged democratic backsliding in the country and …

Two years into Russia’s war in Ukraine, how strong is NATO’s unity?
10 months ago

Two years into Russia’s war in Ukraine, how strong is NATO’s unity?

Al Jazeera  

War fatigue is setting in across some Western capitals, but Russia remains the enemy ahead of a critical US election. “However, the longer such gains and wins for Ukraine fail to materialise, the more likely it will become that nationalist-isolationist factions will increase their influence and even win upcoming elections, thereby exacerbating the lack of Western military support for Ukraine.” …

NATO allies warn Hungary not to hold up Sweden’s membership as US patience wears thin
10 months, 2 weeks ago

NATO allies warn Hungary not to hold up Sweden’s membership as US patience wears thin

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that he and his NATO counterparts cautioned Hungary on Wednesday against further delaying Sweden’s membership in the military alliance, and he warned that patience in Washington has its limits. Lawmakers from the party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán boycotted an emergency session of parliament on Monday where a vote was …

US lawmakers call on Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán to immediately approve Sweden’s NATO membership
10 months, 3 weeks ago

US lawmakers call on Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán to immediately approve Sweden’s NATO membership

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers are urging Hungary to immediately ratify Sweden’s application to join NATO, saying patience with the Central European country is “wearing thin” as it continues to delay its approval for the Nordic nation. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, and Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, called on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor …

US lawmakers call on Hungarian leader Viktor Orban to immediately approve Sweden's NATO membership
10 months, 3 weeks ago

US lawmakers call on Hungarian leader Viktor Orban to immediately approve Sweden's NATO membership

New Indian Express  

BUDAPEST: A bipartisan group of US lawmakers are urging Hungary to immediately ratify Sweden's application to join NATO, saying patience with the Central European country is “wearing thin” as it continues to delay its approval for the Nordic nation. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, and Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, called on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to …

Europe's risk coefficient not reduced by NATO's expansion
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Europe's risk coefficient not reduced by NATO's expansion

China Daily  

On Tuesday, after 20 months of haggling, the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye approved a motion on Sweden's membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In July 2023, Turkiye proposed at the NATO summit that it would give a green light to Sweden's entry to NATO in exchange for the purchase of 40 F-16 fighter planes from the United States. …

NATO chief upbeat that Sweden could be ready to join the alliance by March
10 months, 3 weeks ago

NATO chief upbeat that Sweden could be ready to join the alliance by March

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed optimism on Friday that Sweden could be ready to join the military organization by March, after receiving positive signals this week from holdouts Hungary and Turkey. “Sweden’s entry into NATO will make the whole alliance stronger,” Stoltenberg told reporters as he provided details about talks this with week with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor …

Turkey formally ratifies Sweden’s NATO membership, leaving Hungary as only ally yet to endorse it
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Turkey formally ratifies Sweden’s NATO membership, leaving Hungary as only ally yet to endorse it

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey finalized the ratification of Sweden’s membership in NATO on Thursday, bringing the previously nonaligned Nordic country a step closer to joining the military alliance. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed Turkey’s move, saying on X, formerly known as Twitter: “With this, a key milestone has been reached in Sweden’s path towards NATO membership.” Turkey’s parliament endorsed …

Hungary is the last holdout for Sweden’s NATO membership. So when will Orbán follow Turkey’s lead?
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Hungary is the last holdout for Sweden’s NATO membership. So when will Orbán follow Turkey’s lead?

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — With Turkey completing its ratification of Sweden’s bid to join NATO, Hungary is the last member of the military alliance not to have given its approval. Hungary’s government, Orbán says, is in favor of bringing Sweden into NATO, but lawmakers in his governing Fidesz party remain unconvinced, offended by “blatant lies” from some Swedish politicians that have …

Here’s what to know about Sweden’s bumpy road toward NATO membership
11 months ago

Here’s what to know about Sweden’s bumpy road toward NATO membership

Associated Press  

STOCKHOLM — Sweden’s bid to join NATO — held up for almost two years — cleared its next-to-last hurdle when Turkey gave its go-ahead this week to let the Nordic country into the alliance. All existing NATO countries must give their approval before a new member can join the alliance, and Hungary is now the only member that hasn’t given …

Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO membership, lifting a key hurdle
11 months ago

Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO membership, lifting a key hurdle

The Hindu  

Turkish legislators on Tuesday endorsed Sweden’s membership in NATO, lifting a major hurdle on the previously nonaligned country’s entry into the military alliance. Arguing in favour of Sweden’s membership last month, Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akcapar cited steps Sweden had taken to meet Turkish demands, including lifting restrictions on defense industry sales and amending anti-terrorism laws. Mr. Erdogan has linked …

Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO membership, lifting a key hurdle
11 months ago

Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO membership, lifting a key hurdle

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish legislators on Tuesday endorsed Sweden’s membership in NATO, lifting a major hurdle on the previously nonaligned country’s entry into the military alliance. In Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan welcomed the news, saying having Sweden in the alliance will make it “safer and stronger.” NATO-member Turkey had been delaying Sweden’s membership for more than a …

Hungary’s Orbán takes step toward breaking deadlock over Sweden’s NATO membership
11 months ago

Hungary’s Orbán takes step toward breaking deadlock over Sweden’s NATO membership

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán sent a letter to his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, inviting him to Budapest to discuss Sweden’s accession into the NATO military alliance, Orbán wrote Tuesday in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Erdogan has also openly linked Sweden’s NATO membership to Ankara’s efforts to purchase U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, and …

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