NATO to hold a special ceremony to mark Sweden joining the Alliance

Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), A flag-raising ceremony to mark the accession of the Kingdom of Sweden to NATO will take place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Monday.

Sweden became NATO’s newest member on 7 March upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the Government of the United States in Washington DC.

With Sweden’s accession, NATO now counts 32 countries among its members.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: “This is historic.

“Sweden will now take its rightful place at NATO’s table, with an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions. After over 200 years of non-alignment Sweden now enjoys the protection granted under Article 5, the ultimate guarantee of Allies’ freedom and security.”

He added, “Sweden brings with it capable armed forces and a first-class defense industry.

“Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer and the whole Alliance more secure. Its accession demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open and that every nation has the right to choose its path.”

On Monday, Sweden’s flag will be raised alongside those of the other 31 Allies in a ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels and simultaneously at NATO commands across Europe and North America.

Further comment came from U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who issued a statement.

“Sweden’s strong democracy and formidable military capabilities make it an ideal and welcome addition to the NATO alliance,” said Cardin.

“The Euro-Atlantic community is stronger when we stand together and lead with our values.

“Sweden’s rightful place in NATO will undoubtedly help advance our collective commitment to defend free institutions and deter aggression.”