Nato strengthened as Sweden officially joins alliance after two years of waiting
Sweden has become the 32nd country to be part of Nato after completing its accession to the alliance.
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it was a "historic day", with Sweden now set to "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," Jens Stoltenberg said.
"Sweden brings with it capable armed forces and a first-class defence industry," he added.
"Sweden's accession makes Nato stronger, Sweden safer and the whole alliance more secure.
"Today's accession demonstrates that Nato’s door remains open and that every nation has the right to choose its own path."
Last week, Elisabeth Braw, a Swedish defence expert, told Forces News Sweden has a "well-trained and well-managed military".
Some argued Sweden joining the alliance just means more land for Nato to defend, but Ms Braw said that argument only works if "the countries that are joining contribute less than they get out of the alliance".
"Sweden will contribute more," she insisted.
"[It] has already said they will be sending a battalion to Latvia, that is more than... most Nato member states are doing at the moment.
"Sweden will be a net contributor to Nato… and obviously brings the benefits of collective security to Sweden as well.
"Until now, Sweden has obviously been sort of an island outside Nato-territorially speaking."
The Swedish flag will be raised alongside the other 31 Nato countries at a ceremony in Brussels on Monday - as well as being raised simultaneously at Nato commands across Europe and North America.
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