The Swedish Defense Commission wants security guarantees before Sweden applies for NATO membership. Secretary of State Ann Linde says a notification may prompt a response from Russia.
The guarantee would mean that other countries would assist Sweden should Russia attack the country before NATO membership is complete. The United States, Germany and the United Kingdom have already pledged those security guarantees. Sweden is only a full NATO member if all thirty members agree to join.
Linde said that Swedish membership in NATO is better for security in Northern Europe and for military cooperation with neighbouring countries. It was good for Sweden for a long time not to be linked to other countries in the military field, but “we are now in a new situation”.
Finland’s leaders announced on Thursday that they want to join NATO. The military alliance has informed the country that it can join soon.