Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO

On March 7, 2024, Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO, marking a historic shift in the country's long-standing policy of military non-alignment. For over two centuries, Sweden had maintained a neutral stance, even during the Cold War. However, growing security concerns in Europe—particularly following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022—prompted Sweden to reassess its defense strategy and seek the protection and cooperation offered by NATO membership. Sweden’s accession followed a period of intense diplomatic efforts, including negotiations with existing member states to address political concerns, especially from Turkey and Hungary. The decision to join NATO was supported by a broad political consensus within Sweden and reflected the public’s increasing support for alliance membership in response to regional instability. Sweden had already been a close partner of NATO for decades, participating in joint exercises and missions, which helped smooth the formal accession process. By becoming a full NATO member, Sweden gained access to the alliance’s collective defense guarantees under Article 5 and strengthened its ability to coordinate defense planning with neighboring countries, particularly Finland, which joined NATO in April 2023. Sweden’s well-equipped military and advanced defense industry are expected to enhance NATO’s capabilities, especially in the Baltic Sea region. The move also reinforced the alliance’s unity and resolve in the face of evolving security threats in Europe.