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27 Feb, 2024

European liberals welcome Sweden in NATO

On 26 February, Sweden cleared its final obstacle to joining NATO after Hungary's Parliament voted to ratify the country’s application. 

Sweden will become the 32nd NATO member, following in the footsteps of Finland last year, after all other countries gave their formal approval. 

European liberals welcomed the news as a critical step forward for the Alliance and our shared peace, security and freedom. 

“Sweden will be a member of NATO before the end of the week. Historic moment for Europe and the world. We are all safer with Sweden in the Alliance,” said ALDE Party Co-President Ilhan Kyuchyuk. 

“Today's vote means that we are one step closer to Swedish membership of NATO. At last, I say. Politics is like a marathon. Already in 1999, Liberalerna took a stand in favour of Sweden joining NATO, and now we are hopefully close to the finish line,” said Liberalerna leader Johan Pehrson. 

“At last. Hungary's decision puts an end to a historic application process. It also opens the door to a new, historic step for Swedish security. As a member of NATO, Sweden will be a stronger and more secure country. This is important and welcome, the wait is over,” said Centerpartiet leader Muharrem Demirok. 

“[Sweden’s] accession to NATO is another milestone for our collective security in Europe. It will make us all safer. We stand as one to defend freedom and democracy in Europe and across the world,” said Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. 

“This is an important day for the security of the Nordic-Baltic region and the Alliance. Sweden joining NATO also sends a signal to Russia: attempts to blackmail NATO away from its neighbourhood have failed,” said Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. 

“Sweden’s accession is of great importance in this time of war on the European continent. The NATO alliance will be stronger with Sweden on board. This is the best way to reinforce Swedish security,” said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. 

Check out more social media reactions below. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of ALDE Party members’ reactions. If you would like to follow their initiatives, please consult our full list of member parties and find out how you can follow and support them.

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