Sweden officially became the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, Nato, as it ended decades of neutrality. The decision to join Nato came in response to growing concerns about Russian aggression in Europe, particularly after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The official ceremony, presided over by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, took place at the State Department. Blinken emphasized the significance of this moment, stating that Nato is now stronger and larger than ever before.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Kristersson visited the White House and attended President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address to Congress. The White House expressed that having Sweden as a Nato ally will enhance the safety of the United States and its allies. It highlighted Nato’s role as the most powerful defensive alliance in history and crucial for the security of its citizens.

President Biden is expected to use Sweden’s accession to Nato in his speech to Congress as evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attempts to divide and weaken the alliance have failed. He will also call on reluctant Republicans to approve stalled military assistance to Ukraine as the war enters its third year.

Sweden’s membership faced objections from Nato members Turkey and Hungary. Turkey expressed concerns about Sweden’s handling of Kurdish groups, which it considers terrorists. Hungary’s President Viktor Orban showed pro-Russian sentiment. However, after several months of delay, both countries ratified Sweden’s admission, clearing the path for its entry into Nato.