On Thursday, Sweden formally became the 32nd member of NATO, marking the end of its long-standing policy of neutrality and non-alignment with major powers.
The decision to join the transatlantic military alliance comes as security concerns in Europe have escalated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
President Joe Biden congratulated Sweden on its admission, stating that it demonstrates how Russia’s actions have united rather than divided NATO.
“With the addition of Sweden today, NATO stands more united, determined, and dynamic than ever—now 32 nations strong,” Biden said.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Secretary of State Antony Blinken presided over a ceremony at the State Department, where Sweden’s “instrument of accession” to the alliance was officially deposited. Blinken described the moment as historic for Sweden, the alliance, and the transatlantic relationship.
Kristersson, who was set to visit the White House and be a guest of honor at Biden’s State of the Union address, emphasized the significance of the day, saying, “We will live up to high expectations from all NATO allies. United we stand. Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding light.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also welcomed Sweden’s membership, noting that the country now enjoys the protection granted under Article 5, the collective security guarantee that Sweden sought after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sweden, along with Finland, which joined NATO last year, abandoned their long-standing military neutrality in the wake of Russia’s actions. Biden is expected to use Sweden’s decision to join NATO as a way to encourage reluctant Republicans to approve stalled military assistance to Ukraine.
Sweden’s membership had been delayed due to objections from Turkey and Hungary, but both countries eventually ratified Sweden’s admission.
The Swedish flag will be raised outside NATO’s headquarters in Brussels on Monday, symbolizing the country’s full integration into the alliance.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.