Sweden officially joined NATO in March this year. Secretary General Rutte highlighted that Sweden’s membership has made NATO stronger and increased the security of all member countries. He praised Sweden’s commitment to NATO’s defence efforts, including contributions of troops to NATO’s battlegroup in Latvia, combat aircraft for air policing missions, and naval vessels.
Sweden has also offered to lead a new NATO battlegroup in Finland, and its defence spending now exceeds 2% of its GDP. The country has further plans to increase this spending in 2025, further bolstering its role within the alliance.
Rutte also commended Sweden for its steadfast support of Ukraine, noting that Sweden has provided over EUR 4 billion in military assistance. On a per capita basis, Sweden ranks as one of Ukraine’s top supporters, with NATO allies working to meet pledges made at the Washington Summit.
The Secretary General emphasised that Ukraine’s path to NATO membership is irreversible, affirming that each nation has the right to determine its own alliances. He concluded by highlighting Sweden’s active role at NATO as an example of this principle in action.
