Moments ago at the Madrid Summit Declaration: “Today we have decided to invite Finland and Sweden to become members of NATO, and agreed to sign Accession Protocols. In any accession to the Alliance, it is of vital importance that the legitimate security concerns of Allies are properly addressed.”
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg told members that the organization cannot discount the possibility of Russian attacks on allies after the violation of territorial and national sovereignty of Ukraine. French President Macron and German Foreign Minister Baerbock told the Scandinavian duo that they welcome the full consensus of the alliance and support the two nations’ rapid accession.
NATO currently has 30 member states, the addition of Sweden and Finland will bring it to 32. According to NATO: “European countries that wish to join NATO are initially invited to begin an Intensified Dialogue with the Alliance about their aspirations and related reforms. Aspirants may then be invited to join the Membership Action Plan, a programme which helps nations prepare for possible future membership. Participation does not guarantee membership, but is a key preparation mechanism.
