What's happened
Sweden officially joined NATO, with its flag raised at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Kristersson emphasized the importance of Sweden's NATO membership in the current security climate.
Why it matters
Sweden's NATO membership, prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, signifies a significant shift in the country's defense policy. This move enhances NATO's strength and unity in the face of Russian aggression, potentially reshaping security dynamics in the region.
What the papers say
France 24 highlights the national unity in Sweden behind the decision to join NATO, while The Independent emphasizes the historic nature of Sweden's membership. Sky News and Al Jazeera focus on the implications of Sweden's NATO entry in the context of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
How we got here
Sweden's decision to join NATO comes after years of military nonalignment and neutrality. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 prompted Sweden to apply for NATO membership, culminating in its formal entry into the alliance in 2024.
More on these topics
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.
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Sweden, officially the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It borders Norway to the west and north, Finland to the east, and is connected to Denmark in the southwest by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund Strait.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Jens Stoltenberg is a Norwegian politician who has been serving as the 13th secretary general of NATO since 2014. A member of the Labour Party, he was Prime Minister of Norway from 2000 to 2001 and from 2005 to 2013.
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Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Västergötland is the heir apparent to the Swedish throne, as the eldest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf.