Sweden officially joins NATO, strengthening alliance in face of Russian threat

The Swedish flag was officially raised outside NATO headquarters in Brussels. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said during a press conference that it was a “historic day” for all member states.

A ceremony is taking place at NATO headquarters in Brussels to welcome Sweden to the North Atlantic Alliance. The ceremony is attended by, among others, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The flag of the new member state was raised on the mast in front of the building.

This is a historic day. In a few moments, we will raise the Swedish flag at NATO headquarters and throughout the Alliance and welcome Sweden as the 32nd member of NATO," Stoltenberg said at a press conference before the flag was raised.

NATO welcomes Sweden: boost for security in face of Russia

The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance said that Sweden is taking its rightful place at the NATO table and will be under the protection of Article 5. This, according to Stoltenberg, is the ultimate guarantee of freedom and security for member states. - One for all, all for one", he said.

Joining NATO is good for Sweden, for stability in the north and for the whole Alliance. Sweden has long been our partner, and now it is one of the member states. This comes with all the benefits and responsibilities. Sweden has advanced technological capabilities in the defense sector and allocates more than 2% of GDP for defense," the Secretary General said.

Jens Stoltenberg also said that Swedish troops are currently taking part in NATO's largest military exercises since the end of the Cold War. This is to be a demonstration of the unity and determination of the member states.

In response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, NATO has significantly increased its presence on the territory of all member states, and Sweden's presence will further help this. When Putin unleashed a full-scale invasion two years ago, he wanted to get less NATO and more control over his neighbors, destroying Ukraine as a sovereign state," added the Secretary General of the Alliance, pointing out that NATO is becoming bigger and stronger, and Ukraine is closer to membership in the Alliance than ever before.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at a press conference that his country is very proud to be together with its bisherigen partners and allies in the ranks. - I very much appreciate our close cooperation," he said.

Unity and solidarity will be the guiding principle of Sweden as a NATO member state. We will share the burden, responsibility, and risk with our allies. The security situation in our region has not been so serious since World War II", Kristersson said, adding that Russia will remain a threat to Euro-Atlantic security for the foreseeable future.