On Thursday, Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO, thus ending more than two centuries of neutrality.
Sweden follows Finland, which became the 31st member in April 2023.
Sweden had to overcome a few more diplomatic challenges than their neighbors in the North before their bid for membership was finally ratified on February 26, writes GIS.
With Sweden's membership, the entire Nordic region is now a part of NATO.
“This is a historic day,” says NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
“Sweden will now take its rightful place at NATO’s table, with an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions. After over 200 years of non-alignment Sweden now enjoys the protection granted under Article 5, the ultimate guarantee of Allies’ freedom and security. Sweden brings with it capable armed forces and a first-class defence industry. Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer and the whole Alliance more secure. Today’s accession demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open and that every nation has the right to choose its own path.”