NATO Allies Formally Back Bids by Sweden, Finland to Join Alliance
- Move at Madrid summit paves way to reshape European defense
- Path to membership includes ratification by parliaments
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NATO leaders formally invited Sweden and Finland to join the military alliance, paving the way for reshaping European defense by lengthening its border with Russia.
“The accession of Finland and Sweden will make them safer, NATO stronger, and the Euro-Atlantic area more secure,” according to summit conclusions agreed by NATO leaders in Madrid after weeks of stalling by Turkey. “The security of Finland and Sweden is of direct importance to the alliance, including during the accession process.”