TCSS Security Commentaries #039

Sweden’s recent accession to NATO has significantly increased the alliance’s presence in the Baltic Sea region, providing a strategic advantage in terms of collective action and oversight of the sea. The move towards greater cooperation and collaboration in the region is a positive step towards enhancing stability and security for all parties involved.

Kamil Golemo PhD Candidate UMCS (Poland), research intern TSCC

Source: What NATO gains with the addition of Sweden, Finland to alliance (usatoday.com), The map shows NATO’s European members, with the focus on Sweden.

With Hungary’s parliament giving its approval on 26 February, Sweden has become a 32th member of NATO. This decision comes after almost two years of diplomatic negotiations. The Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, called it “a historic day”. He also stated that “Sweden now leaves 200 years of neutrality and alliance-independence behind us. It’s a big step, which we will take seriously, but also a very natural step … NATO membership means that we are coming home to a large number of democracies working together for peace and freedom and a very successful cooperation”. The Prime Minister also added that “When Sweden becomes a NATO member, the Nordics will for the first time in 500 years have a shared defense”.

Sweden completed its NATO accession process on 7 March 2024, after applying for membership along with Finland on 18 May 2022. However, close ties with NATO have existed for almost 30 years through Sweden’s participation in the Partnership for Peace programme since 1994. This cooperation has enabled the state to contribute to NATO’s efforts to promote peace and security while benefiting from the Alliance’s expertise and resources. Sweden cooperates with NATO in a number of areas, including peacekeeping operations, military exercises, cyber security and missile defense. By working together, Sweden and NATO have been able to achieve common goals and strengthen their partnership.

Sweden’s accession to NATO is an important step towards enhancing security and stability in the Baltic Sea region and Central and Eastern Europe. As a member of NATO, it can contribute to the collective defense of the Alliance and work towards common goals with other member states. The decision was taken as a result of a change in the geopolitical situation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which led Sweden and Finland to abandon their long-standing policy of military neutrality and join the transatlantic alliance. In addition to strengthening its defense capabilities, the state is committed to supporting NATO’s operations in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

Connecting the Baltic, Russia and Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea is vital to European security. As a new member of NATO, Sweden has become a key player in Europe’s defense. The Baltic Sea is considered a “NATO sea”, with the aim of limiting Russian influence. NATO staties closely monitor Russia’s military activities in the region. Sweden’s potential involvement in regional cooperation, especially with Baltic NATO members such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, would enhance the security of the entire area. Their reliance on Swedish assistance in the collective defense of the region would enhance the security of the entire area.

Sweden’s accession to NATO would undoubtedly benefit both the state and the Alliance. By joining NATO, Sweden would gain access to valuable resources and support for its defense, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the security of its territory and the Baltic Sea region. In addition, Sweden would enhance its defense capabilities and cooperation with other members, particularly in the face of potential threats from Russia. It will strengthen the security of the Baltic States, which are vulnerable to Russian aggression, and help secure the Isthmus of Suwalki, which links the Baltic States to Poland and the rest of NATO. In addition, Sweden’s accession will increase NATO’s control over the strategic area of the Baltic Sea, which is crucial for logistics and operations. The accession of Sweden to NATO is a crucial step in enhancing the stability and security of the region and the Alliance. It is also important to note that, with the exception of Russia, every Arctic state would become a member of NATO once Sweden becomes a member.

Kamil Golemo is a 2nd year PhD Candidate at the Maria Skłodowska-Curie University (Poland) and research intern at the Taiwan Center for Security Studies. He is a fellow of the project entitled “UMCS Doctoral Schools – Your Success in Globalized World of Science” within the STER Programme Internationalization of Doctoral Schools created by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange.