Sweden’s government party announces NATO position on Sunday
STOCKHOLM (AFP) – Sweden’s ruling Social Democrats said on Monday (May 9) that the party on May 15 will announce its position on whether the country should apply for membership in NATO.
A decision on membership would in all probability pave the way for Sweden to submit a membership offer.
“The party will announce its position on May 15,” which would be Sunday, party spokeswoman Julia Grabe told AFP.
If the Social Democrats support the accession, there would be a clear parliamentary majority for an application, especially if neighboring Finland – where a decision is also expected in the next few days – would apply for membership in the US-led military alliance.
Sweden and Finland have been militarily non-aligned for decades, but public opinion in both countries has changed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with support for membership soaring, according to surveys.
Sweden’s center-right Social Democrats, led by Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, have historically opposed NATO membership, and even confirmed this position at the most recent party congress in November.
But the conflict in Ukraine has resurfaced debate within the country and within the party.
The Finnish Social Democrats, who are also the ruling party, are expected to announce their position on 14 May.
On 13 May, a Swedish parliamentary security policy review, made by all parties in the Riksdag, will also be presented.
Both Sweden and Finland have close ties with the alliance, joined the Partnership for Peace program in 1994 and regularly participate in exercises with NATO countries and NATO-led peacekeeping missions.