Sweden to debate on joining NATO as pressure rises on EU nations to isolate Russia. Sweden’s ruling party begins an internal debate on joining NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Members of the party — who have previously opposed Swedish membership of the alliance — have met to discuss the country’s strategic situation.
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said in a u-turn last month that she “does not rule out” a bid to join NATO.
Neighbouring EU member state Finland is also set to decide on joining the military alliance by the summer.
A referendum might not be the right method to decide on NATO membership, said Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson after discussing the situation with her Finnish counterpart Sanna Marin on Saturday.
Sweden to debate on joining NATO
Deputy party leader Tobias Baudin said Monday’s debate will be a “broader discussion than just a yes or no question on NATO membership”.
“We have to seek a broader understanding of what is happening in the world around us and understand the advantages and disadvantages of the current security policy line,” Baudin said.
The “security policy dialogue” should be completed before the summer, he added in a statement.
Support for NATO membership almost doubled since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, jumping to almost 50% in Sweden and 60% in Finland.
The issue is also set to be a major campaign issue in the upcoming Swedish general election on 11 September.
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