SWEDENS NATO MEMBERSHIP
A record number of NATO allies are hitting their defence spending target during war in Ukraine
Over 20 NATO member nations are meeting the alliance's defense spending target, amidst concerns over Russia's war in Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg commended European efforts for collective security, ahead of a pivotal summit in Washington.
What are the security deals Ukraine is signing with allies?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will sign bilateral security agreements with the United States and Japan at the G7 Summit in Italy, finalizing similar deals with all G7 nations. These agreements, following a joint G7 declaration in July last year, ensure long-term security aid, including military support, intelligence-sharing, and cyber defense. While they aim to strengthen Ukraine's defense amidst its ongoing war with Russia, they are not substitutes for NATO membership, which remains Ukraine's strategic goal. The agreements build on prior commitments, emphasizing immediate aid in case of further Russian aggression.
As China's Xi Jinping visits Europe, Ukraine, trade and investment are likely to top the agenda
Chinese leader Xi Jinping's European tour focuses on Ukraine, trade, and strategic alliances amidst heightened tensions. Starting in Paris, he meets Macron, signaling European autonomy. Visits to Hungary and Serbia, seen as China-friendly, strengthen ties amid criticism of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. US watches closely for geopolitical shifts.
Sweden should spend more on defence and increase the number of conscripts, lawmakers recommend
Sweden recommends a 54 billion kronor military budget increase by 2030 for stronger air defenses and more conscripts post-NATO entry, aligning with regional military expansions.
NATO Membership and Defence Spending: Key facts you need to know
Sweden officially became a member of NATO, joining Finland in the alliance's largest expansion since the 1990s. This move comes amid rising tensions with Russia and NATO's efforts to bolster its defences. With 32 member countries, including the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, NATO aims to counter threats from "authoritarian states" like Russia. Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia also aspire to join NATO, highlighting the alliance's role in today's geopolitical landscape.
Sweden to move ahead with sending troops to Latvia as part of NATO forces
Sweden is set to deploy troops to Latvia as part of NATO's mission in the Baltic countries, which border Russia and Belarus. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed the decision, stating that Sweden will contribute a reduced mechanized battalion with armoured vehicles and Leopard tanks. This move comes after Sweden's recent NATO membership, marking a shift from its traditional non-alignment stance. The deployment aims to deter and defend against potential threats, with the goal of having the force operational by early next year.
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NATO marks its 75th birthday as war in Ukraine and rising populism gnaw at its unity
Sweden's foreign minister, Tobias Billstrom, is taking part in the first ministerial-level meeting since his country became NATO's 32nd ally last month. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 drove Sweden and its Nordic neighbor Finland into NATO's arms.
Salwan Momika dead? Why Iraqi refugee, who burned Quran, is trending?
Salwan Momika death: Iraqi refugee and Quran critic Salwan Sabah Matti Momika was discovered deceased in Norway. Known for Quran burnings, he sought asylum in Norway after Swedish deportation orders. Momika's actions caused global outrage and delays in Sweden's NATO entry. He cited persecution by Swedish authorities for his departure. Momika's death marks the end of a controversial figure whose actions sparked international debate on freedom of expression and asylum rights.
Sweden officially joins NATO after completing its accession process, ending decades of neutrality
The White House said that having Sweden as a NATO ally "will make the United States and our allies even safer." "NATO is the most powerful defensive alliance in the history of the world, and it is as critical today to ensuring the security of our citizens as it was 75 years ago when our alliance was founded out of the wreckage of World War II," it said in a statement.
Hungary president signs Sweden's NATO membership ratification
Hungary's President Tamas Sulyok has signed a bill approving Sweden's accession to the NATO military alliance, paving the way for Sweden to become the 32nd member in the coming days. Stockholm abandoned its non-alignment policy after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The remaining formalities, such as depositing accession documentation in Washington, are expected to be completed swiftly.
Newly enlarged NATO starts drill in Finland, Norway and Sweden in defense of its Nordic turf
NATO has launched a large-scale exercise, Nordic Response 2024, involving over 20,000 soldiers from 13 nations, including Finland, Norway, and Sweden. This marks Finland's largest participation in a foreign exercise since joining NATO in April 2023. The drill, conducted in harsh Arctic winter conditions, aims to strengthen collective defense capabilities in the region. The exercise, part of Steadfast Defender 24, demonstrates NATO's commitment to defending its territory and comes amid heightened tensions with Russia. The drill includes land, sea, and air components and underscores the strategic importance of the High North for NATO.
What does NATO entry mean for Sweden?
Sweden's decision to join NATO marks a significant shift in its defense policy and the regional geopolitical balance. The country's increased military spending and contribution to NATO forces in Latvia are notable changes. Joining NATO also means that the Baltic Sea is now surrounded by alliance members. With the combined strength of 32 countries, Sweden's military believes the risk of conflict is reduced.
What does NATO entry mean for Sweden?
Sweden's NATO membership bid, submitted in the wake of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, cleared its final hurdle as Hungary's parliament voted to ratify it on Monday. After Hungary's parliament ratified the bid Monday, Kristersson said Sweden stood "ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security."
Last holdout Hungary ratifies Sweden's NATO bid
Hungary's parliament ratified Sweden's NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle for enlargement of the military alliance spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it a "historic day". Finland joined NATO earlier. Hungary signed a deal for four Swedish-made Jas-39 Gripen fighters. Some experts saw Hungary's delay as a strategy to unlock frozen funds from Brussels.
Hungary's parliament ratifies Sweden's NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle to membership
The vote, which passed with 188 votes for and six against, was the culmination of months of wrangling by Hungary's allies to convince its nationalist government to lift its block on Sweden's membership. Hungary's decision paved the way for the second expansion of NATO's ranks in a year after both Sweden and Finland applied to join the alliance in May 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine - an assault that was purportedly intended to prevent further NATO expansion.
Hungary set to ratify Sweden's NATO bid on Feb 26 after long delay
Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has proposed a parliament vote to ratify Sweden's bid to join NATO on Feb. 26, a move it supports. Fidesz, with a majority in parliament, seeks to include the vote in the agenda. Sweden applied to join NATO nearly two years ago in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Hungary, the last NATO member to approve Sweden's bid, will settle the dispute with Sweden. Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson welcomed Hungary's plans. Hungary may discuss deepening economic and defence cooperation with Sweden, including the leasing of Gripen fighter aircraft.
Washington approves sale of F-16 warplanes to Turkey
The United States did not green light the transaction until Turkey's instruments of ratification of Sweden's membership had arrived in Washington, a US official said, highlighting the highly sensitive nature of the negotiations.
US envoy sees rapid F-16s sale to Turkey after Sweden NATO bid sign-off
Turkey's approval of Sweden's NATO membership paves the way for President Erdogan's quick endorsement, triggering U.S. Congress consideration of a $20 billion F-16 fighter jet sale. Ambassador Jeff Flake expects Erdogan's swift approval, emphasizing the importance of Turkey's NATO participation despite concerns over human rights. The formalities involve Erdogan's signature, publication in Turkey's Official Gazette, and notification to Washington, aligning with U.S. President Biden's intention to begin the F-16 sale process upon completion of Sweden's NATO accession.
Here's what to know about Sweden's bumpy road toward NATO membership
After over 200 years of neutrality, Sweden's bid to join NATO gains momentum, with Turkey's parliamentary approval. The shift comes post-Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prompting Sweden and Finland to seek security guarantees. Turkey's conditions, including a stance on perceived threats, caused delays, and Hungary remains the final hurdle. Sweden's inclusion would strategically surround the Baltic Sea with NATO allies, enhancing regional defense. Russia reacts negatively, warning of unspecified countermeasures, as both Sweden and Finland anticipate increased risks of Russian interference.
Sweden moves one step closer to NATO membership after Turkish parliamentary committee gives approval
Turkiye, a NATO member, has delayed ratifying Sweden's application for more than a year, accusing the country of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara regards as threats to its security, including Kurdish militants and members of a network that Ankara blames for a failed coup in 2016.
Turkey's president submits protocol for Sweden's admission into NATO to parliament for ratification
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a protocol for Sweden's admission into NATO to Turkey's parliament for ratification. Erdogan had previously delayed the ratification, citing concerns about Sweden's approach to Kurdish militants and Quran-burning protests. All 31 NATO allies must endorse Sweden's membership, and Turkey and Hungary have yet to ratify it. Sweden and Finland decided to seek protection under NATO's security umbrella after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has urged Turkey to quickly ratify Sweden's membership.
Sweden, Finland and Switzerland are considering security links with US National Guard
Switzerland, Finland, and Sweden are considering joining the US National Guard's (NG) State Partnership Program to expand their military ties with the US. The program is a lesser-known military instrument that focuses on military training and education exchanges to shape foreign military operations reflecting Western military organization and equipment.
NATO prepared to back Ukraine in its fight against Russia - but not to extend membership
NATO has launched a new forum for its ties with Ukraine but has only provided vague assurances for the country's future membership. US President Joe Biden and his counterparts will sit down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the new NATO-Ukraine Council, reflecting NATO's effort to bring Ukraine close to the military alliance without actually joining it. The meeting follows leaders committing to providing Ukraine with more military assistance for fighting Russia.
NATO chief says Turkey agrees to send Sweden’s NATO accession protocol to Parliament swiftly
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg made the announcement after talks with Erdogan and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on the eve of a NATO summit in Lithuania. Sweden’s NATO accession has been held up by objections from Turkey since last year.
Sweden moves closer to NATO membership after a deal with the Turkish president
Turkey has lifted its objections to Sweden joining NATO in return for assistance in boosting their own chances of joining the European Union. The ratification of Sweden’s accession protocol has been outstanding since last year when Turkey first objected. The protocol will now be put before Parliament by Turkey as soon as possible. This development was announced after a series of high-level meetings between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
Joe Biden says Ukraine is not ready for NATO membership
In an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria, Biden said that he did not "think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now," and that the process could take place only after a peace agreement with Russia was in place.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says no change in Turkiye's stance on Sweden's NATO membership
NATO wants to bring Sweden into the fold by the time the leaders of member nations meet for a summit in Lithuania's capital on July 11-12. Speaking to journalists on his way back from a state visit to Azerbaijan on Tuesday, Erdogan said Turkiye's attitude to the accession was not "positive."
Sweden ready to host NATO troops even before joining
The presence of NATO troops would serve as a deterrent against any possible Russian actions from across the Baltic Sea. Sweden has been a NATO "invitee" since June 2022, but its bid, which must be ratified by all 31 member states, has been blocked by Turkey and Hungary. Only full members are covered by NATO's Article 5 collective defence clause under which an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
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