NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated on Friday that the alliance is counting on Hungary’s ratification of Sweden’s accession to the alliance by the end of next February. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ratified Sweden’s request to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Thursday, after the Turkish parliament approved the request by a majority of votes last Tuesday.
Hungary remains the only NATO member that has not approved Sweden’s membership. The Turkish parliament had approved Sweden’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) last Tuesday after months of deliberations. The general assembly of the parliament in Ankara voted to accept Sweden’s request the day before last Tuesday, and the document was sent back to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for final signature before being deposited with the U.S. Department of State in Washington.
Sweden’s relationship with NATO has evolved significantly over the years. Historically known for its policy of neutrality, Sweden has not been an official member of NATO but has engaged closely with the alliance through various partnerships and cooperative efforts. Since joining the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program in 1994, Sweden has actively participated in joint exercises, peacekeeping operations, and shared intelligence with NATO members, reflecting a close but non-member relationship with the alliance.
Despite its neutrality, Sweden’s security policy has seen a gradual shift, especially in the face of evolving security dynamics in Europe. The country’s increased cooperation with NATO, including becoming an Enhanced Opportunities Partner, highlights its strategic pivot towards deeper engagement with Western defense mechanisms without full membership. This partnership allowed Sweden to contribute to NATO-led operations and gain access to NATO exercises and decision-making processes in selected areas, enhancing interoperability and strengthening security ties.
The changing security landscape, particularly with increasing tensions in the Baltic region and the heightened threat perceptions following Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, has led to a reevaluation of Sweden’s security policies. These developments prompted Sweden to consider full NATO membership more seriously, culminating in the formal application to join the alliance in May 2022, a significant departure from its long-standing stance of military non-alignment.
Sweden’s bid for NATO membership marks a historic shift in its defense policy, driven by the need for enhanced security guarantees amidst a challenging geopolitical environment. The application process has involved diplomatic negotiations and addressing concerns of NATO member states, with the recent ratification by Turkey being a crucial step towards Sweden’s accession, leaving Hungary’s approval as one of the final hurdles
