Swedish parliament ratifies deal with NATO

A clear majority of Swedish Social Democrats in favor of the host nation support agreement with Nato. 

  • "This deal will not change our relationship with NATO nor our security policy. We will remain non-aligned," Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist said today in parliament. Photo: socialdemokraterna.se
  • Sweden's parliament ratified a deal granting NATO more access to the country for training exercises and in the event of a war in the region, a step reflecting heightened tensions with Russia.
    "This deal will not change our relationship with NATO nor our security policy. We will remain non-aligned," Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist told parliament. "There will be no NATO troops on Swedish soil without an invitation."
    The center-left minority government won the parliamentary vote by a margin of 254-40 and 55 abstaining.
    Sweden is outside NATO but has moved closer to the alliance in recent years, cooperating with NATO states like Denmark, Norway and Iceland and participating in operations in Afghanistan.
    The Communist Party accused the Social Democrats and the Green Party of trying to sneak Sweden into NATO.
    "We, as Social Democrats are firmly rooted in that we should not seek NATO membership. A stealth connection is not on the map, but we need the deteriorating external position to increase our military capability and practice with NATO," replied Åsa Lindestam of the Social Democratics.
    The center-right Alliance said that the agreement can be seen as a step closer to NATO, but that Sweden's security can only be secured through full membership.