Overview

• Sweden's flag was raised at NATO headquarters in Brussels, marking its official entry as the 32nd member of the alliance.
• The move comes two years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which prompted Sweden to seek NATO membership for security.
• Sweden's accession was delayed by objections from Turkey and Hungary but was eventually ratified, ending its long-standing policy of military non-alignment.
• The country is set to contribute to NATO's defense capabilities, including a battalion to join the Canadian-led brigade in Latvia and unique competencies in the Baltic Sea region.
• NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hailed the accession as a demonstration of the alliance's openness and strength against threats.