Sweden and Finland’s awkward NATO tango

Article discusses the debate being pursued in Finland and Sweden in 2015 as to whether to join NATO in the light of the perceived growing threat from Russia.

Sweden's ruling Social Democrat-Green coalition remained against joining Nato. However, Sweden's opposition parties moved towards a unified front on Nato membership after the Centre party announced in September 2015 that they would advocate joining.

The Local.se reported a poll in September 2015 that showed more Swedes were now in favour of joining Nato than against it, and which would suggest a rapid shift in public opinion.

Sweden's Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said that Sweden would increase defence spending by 11% over five years, and also reinforce cooperation with Nato as a whole, as well as with its individual members. On the 14 September 2015 Sweden signed a military co-operation agreement with NATO country Poland.

'Swedish membership in Nato would have politico-military and foreign policy consequences, and would require retaliatory measures from Russia', said a Russian foreign ministry spokesperson at a briefing in Moscow on 10 September 2015.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Nordic nations agree on defence cooperation against Russia http://www.europeansources.info/record/nordic-nations-agree-on-defence-cooperation-against-russia/

The Guardian, 27.08.14: Finland and Sweden to strengthen ties with Nato (et al) http://www.europeansources.info/record/finland-and-sweden-to-strengthen-ties-with-nato/

NATO: Topic: NATO’s relations with Finland http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_49594.htm

NATO: Topic: NATO’s relations with Sweden http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_52535.htm

ESO: Background information: Preparing for the Worst: Are Russian and NATO Military Exercises Making War in Europe more Likely? http://www.europeansources.info/record/preparing-for-the-worst-are-russian-and-nato-military-exercises-making-war-in-europe-more-likely/

EurActiv, 15.05.15: NATO moves closer to EU, Sweden, Finland http://www.euractiv.com/sections/global-europe/nato-moves-closer-eu-sweden-finland-314597

Atlantic Council: Blog: NATOSource, 21.08.15: A Powerful Case for Swedish Membership in NATO http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/natosource/a-powerful-case-for-swedish-membership-in-nato

The Local.se, 14.09.15: More Swedes want to join Nato than stay out http://www.thelocal.se/20150914/poll-more-swedes-now-for-nato-than-against

The Local.se, 01.09.15: Swedish party in U-turn on Nato membership http://www.thelocal.se/20150901/swedish-party-in-u-turn-on-nato-membership

The Local.se, 14.09.15: Sweden and Poland agree closer military ties http://www.thelocal.se/20150914/sweden-and-poland-agree-on-closer-military-ties

Sputnk International, 19.09.15: Sweden Edges Closer to NATO With Polish Military Agreement http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150914/1026983475/Sweden-NATO-Poland-cooperation.html

Politico, 17.09.15: Swedish-Russian relations enter deep freeze http://www.politico.eu/article/swedish-russian-news-nato-wallstrom/

The Local.se, 17.09.15: Swedish minister slams Russian Nato 'threats' http://www.thelocal.se/20150917/sweden-russia-relations-chillier-than-ever

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