Kristersson: "Nordic Region Has Common Defence For First Time In 500 Yrs"

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has told reporters that, "with Sweden in NATO, the Nordic region has a common defence for first time in 500 years," following today's ratification of Sweden's NATO members by Hungary.

• Kristersson says, "the only thing we can be sure of is that Russia will not be happy that Sweden is a NATO member," and adds that today is, "a good day for Sweden and Swedish security."
• Kristersson: "Sweden is leaving 200 years of neutrality and military non-alignment behind. It's a big step and something to take seriously," adding that Sweden's, "unique capabilities on land, water, air and under water," will enhance NATO.
• NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters a short time ago: "I welcome the Hungarian parliament’s vote to ratify Sweden's membership in NATO. Now that all Allies have approved, Sweden will become the 32nd NATO Ally. Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer."
• Sweden and Finland's entry into NATO significantly alters the security architecture of northern Europe. Foreign Policy notes: "Adding that 2,000-mile-long coastline to territory under the alliance’s protection will change NATO. It’s a vast region spanning the Arctic Ocean to the North Sea inlets to the Atlantic, with data cables that undergird much of global communication deep beneath the water’s surface. NATO will get Swedish bases in the north to contend with Russian troops in Murmansk and on the Kola Peninsula."

Figure 1: NATO Alliance in Northern Europe

Source: FP