The Scandinavian country's admission process is expected to be completed during a visit to Washington by Prime Minister Kristersson and Foreign Minister Billström.
Sweden is expected to officially become the 32nd member of NATO tomorrow, Thursday. According to information from the German Press Agency, the defense alliance hopes that the Scandinavian country's admission process can be completed during a visit to Washington by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Foreign Minister Tobias Billström.
One of the remaining steps for Sweden to join NATO is for the membership certificate to be deposited with the US State Department. This is the so-called depository of NATO's founding treaty and is responsible for registering documents relating to the so-called North Atlantic Treaty.
Government confirms visit to Washington
The Swedish government confirmed on Wednesday that Kristersson and Billström will be in Washington this Thursday. However, it initially declined to comment on the possible completion of the accession process. One reason considered in alliance circles was that the document documenting Hungary's consent had yet to be officially presented. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok only signed it on Tuesday. The necessary parliamentary decision had already been postponed for a long time.
Approval finally came only after Kristersson visited Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Several agreements on arms cooperation were announced. Among other things, Hungary is purchasing four new Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden.
Türkiye and Hungary blocked accession for a long time
Before Hungary, Turkey, in particular, blocked Sweden's accession to NATO for a long time. In the end, the country only gave the necessary consent after Sweden promised greater efforts in the fight against terrorist organizations. Ankara was mainly concerned about the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK), which the EU also classified as a terrorist organization. The US government also pushed through a process to sell F-16 fighter jets to Turkey.
Under the impression of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sweden decided in 2022 to apply for membership in NATO, after many years of freedom from military alliances. Finland was also present, having been welcomed into the alliance as the 31st member in April last year. According to information from the German Press Agency, a welcoming ceremony for Sweden is scheduled for next Monday in Brussels. (APA/dpa)