Sweden accepts the accession protocol of NATO and becomes the 32nd member of alliance

Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO. In a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., Sweden accepted the accession protocol of NATO as its 32nd member. Following their meeting in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kirstersson held a joint press conference.

Displaying the official accession protocol of Sweden to NATO, Blinken stated, “With this accession document, I want to welcome Sweden as a member of the Washington Treaty, the founding treaty of NATO, and as the 32nd member of NATO.”

Blinken emphasized that with Sweden’s accession, NATO will become even stronger. He said, “This is a historic moment for Sweden, for our Alliance, and for our transatlantic relationship with NATO allies.”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced Sweden’s official accession to NATO through his social media account. Stoltenberg stated, “Sweden has become the 32nd member of NATO and has taken its rightful place at our table. I look forward to raising their flag at the NATO headquarters on Monday.” He further commented, “Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger and makes Sweden and the entire Alliance more secure.”

A formal ceremony will be held at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on March 11th, where the Swedish flag will be raised.

The Hungarian National Assembly approved Sweden’s accession to NATO on February 26th, completing the approval process for all allies.

Sweden submitted its application for NATO membership on May 18, 2022.