Will Sweden Join NATO After Finland?

With Finland's recent application for NATO membership, the question of whether Sweden will follow suit has become a topic of international intrigue. Traditional geopolitical realities and the ongoing military conflict with Russia have played significant roles in shaping these decisions, particularly in the context of European unity and security.

The Context of NATO Expansion

If Sweden were to join NATO, it would likely do so after becoming a member of the European Union (EU). Both countries joined the EU in 1995, which means that the EU membership is already a solid foundation for any future NATO aspirations.

Currently, 28 out of the 30 NATO member nations have ratified the inclusion of Finland and Sweden into the alliance. Hungary and Turkey are the only remaining countries yet to complete the process. This indicates that the majority of the NATO member states are in favor of the expansion, which has significantly influenced the timing of Sweden's potential application.

Justification for Joining NATO

The decision by Finland and Sweden to pursue NATO membership is heavily influenced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This aggressive move toward Ukraine has solidified the resolve of both nations to strengthen their defense capabilities and security alliances. The Russian campaign has underscored the need for additional defensive layers, making NATO a more attractive option.

Both nations are joining NATO simultaneously, a move that will likely decrease the likelihood of a Russian military aggression against Finland. Historically, Russia has attempted to take over Finland multiple times, and the combined NATO and EU memberships offer a more robust defense posture.

The Application Process and Current Status

Finland and Sweden recently jointly announced their intentions to apply for NATO membership. Each country will need to individually demonstrate to all thirty NATO member countries that they meet the alliance’s membership criteria and are committed to NATO ideals.

The application process is largely seen as a formality at this stage. NATO member countries are aware of the historical and strategic value of Finland and Sweden, both of which possess significant Arctic and Northern territories. The official admission process is more about ratification and ensuring mutual defense agreements between these new members and existing NATO nations.

Conclusion: A Strengthened Alliance

The simultaneous application of Finland and Sweden for NATO membership is a clear indication of the changing geopolitical landscape in Europe. With 28 out of 30 NATO nations already on board and the remaining two still processing the application, the ratification of their membership is a matter of time.

Sweden’s future in NATO will likely follow a similar path, with the process moving forward after the completion of EU obligations. Both nations stand to gain substantial benefits from this expansion, including enhanced regional stability and a stronger collective defense mechanism against any potential threats.