Sweden and NATO

On 16 May 2022 the Government, with broad support in the Riksdag, decided to apply for NATO membership. On 5 July 2022, all NATO member countries signed the Accession Protocol for Sweden. Until all NATO countries have ratified Sweden’s application for NATO membership, it has the status of invitee country. Sweden is now gradually being integrated into NATO’s political and military structures.

On 8 March 2023, the Government submitted the bill on Sweden’s NATO membership to the Riksdag for approval, and on 22 March the Riksdag approved Sweden’s accession to NATO.

Kristersson and  Stoltenberg standing next to eachother in front of flags
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Photo: Ninni Andersson/Government Offices

Sweden’s path to NATO membership

Read about what Sweden’s path to NATO membership involves, why Sweden has applied for NATO membership and what membership will mean for Sweden.

Two pilots walking towards an airplane.
JAS 39 Gripen Photo: Antonia Sehlstedt/Swedish Armed Forces

Defence questions concerning Sweden and NATO

The core of the North Atlantic Treaty is collective defence, which means that NATO member countries have collective defence obligations and collective defence planning.

Close-up on a soldiers eyes
Relations between Sweden and NATO date back to 1994 when Sweden joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP). Photo: Antonia Sehlstedt/Swedish Armed Forces

History of Sweden and NATO

Relations between Sweden and NATO date back to 1994 when Sweden joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP). Since then, Sweden has gradually increased its cooperation with NATO, including as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner. Sweden has taken part in several military operations and also has a Host Nation Support Agreement with NATO.

soldiers parachute jumping from an air craft
NATO is an intergovernmental organisation with both a political and a military dimension Photo: British Army Photographer Corporal Rob Kane

This is NATO

NATO is an intergovernmental organisation with both a political and a military dimension. NATO’s essential purpose is to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its members through political and military means, and to guarantee the freedom and security of all member countries.

Content about Sweden and NATO

Total 36 hits.