“The government has decided to inform NATO of Sweden’s desire to become a member of the Alliance,” she said at a press conference the day after Finland’s candidacy. “We are leaving an era to enter a new one,” said the Swedish leader.
Sweden will apply to join NATO, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson announced on Monday, referring to a new “era” for the Scandinavian country after almost two centuries out of military alliances. “The government has decided to inform NATO of Sweden’s desire to become a member of the Alliance,” she said at a press conference the day after Finland’s candidacy. “We are leaving an era to enter a new one,” said the Swedish leader. The Swedish ambassador to NATO will send Stockholm’s candidacy “soon”, according to Magdalena Andersson.
Simultaneous candidacy with Finland
Sweden and Finland have already announced their desire to apply simultaneously. “We expect that (membership) will not take more than a year”, with the necessary ratification by the 30 members of the Atlantic Alliance, declared the head of the social-democratic government.
This announcement was acquired after the historic swing of the ruling party on Sunday in favor of membership and the guarantee of a large majority in Parliament.