Following similar actions by Finland, this decision is likely to be announced soon on May 15.
Sweden’s ruling party will reveal its stance on NATO membership on May 15, three days after a similar move is expected to be taken by Finland, Social Democrats’ Secretary-General Tobias Baudin said on Monday.
With the Russian military incursion in Ukraine continuing, Sweden and Finland both have witnessed dramatic changes in public opinion. A majority of people now support NATO. Authorities in both countries had to change their anti-alignment policies.
Baudin, speaking to the press confirmed that it decided to make its announcement earlier than usual from May 31 to May 15. This is because there’s no point waiting.
“This week is not expected to bring any new information.,” he said, while admitting that “There are certain people who will be critical” within the party about joining the alliance.
Baudin responded to queries about which party the party leans to. “tick yes or no”But rather, a complete assessment that takes in many aspects.
“It is unclear what the final decision will be.,” he said.
The Social Democrats’ secretary-general also made it clear that his party wants to “Continue to keep going” with Finland as the neighboring countries share the same security and foreign policy concerns related to the potential alliance membership bid.
Swedish parliamentary parties are now conducting an overview of its security policy and are expected to complete their analysis on May 13 leaving time for the government to look into the lawmakers’ conclusions.
“This information is important to me before I make any decisions.,” Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said on Sunday.
Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto, meanwhile, is expected to formally announce the government’s position on joining NATO on May 12. According to the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti which first broke the news a week ago, “the position is that Finland is applying for membership.”According to reports, the parliament will also approve.
On May 6, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki reassured Sweden and Finland that the United States will be able to find ways “to address any concerns either country may have about the period of time between a NATO membership application and the formal accession to the alliance,”Officials from Sweden and Finland raised concerns about Russian retaliation.
Jens Stoltenberg (head of the military alliance) stated that NATO was established in April. “will warmly welcome”Finland and Sweden can apply for membership if necessary. “quite quickly.”
Russia sees NATO’s expansion as a direct threat and considers it a serious risk to its security. “for the whole architecture of security.”Dmitry Peskov (Kremlin spokesperson) warned April that Moscow was planning to attack. “take additional measures”To make its defences on the Western flank “more sophisticated”If Sweden and Finland are included in the bloc.
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