Finland and Sweden have officially applied for alliance membership at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
The ambassadors of both countries signed the necessary documents and handed them over to NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.
Finland and Sweden have long considered themselves neutral and, until recently, did not want to join a military alliance. However, due to the Russian attack on Ukraine, they have changed course and are trying to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
It will be quite some time before they really become members, and NATO member Turkey has objections.