Joining NATO to strengthen Sweden’s defense

Swedish Defense Minister, Peter Hultqvist, said joining NATO together with Finland would strengthen the defence capabilities of all of Northern Europe and Sweden, in particular.

“This, of course, reflects a very different strategic depth and sends a strong message in security policy, and also provides a reliable platform for Scandinavian military cooperation within NATO,” Hultqvist said, according to Swedish Radio.

He outlined the security of the Swedish island of Gotland, which is a vulnerable case for the country's defence.

“If we join NATO and implement the planning that I imagine, then the common threshold will rise even more. This will have the obvious effect,” Hultqvist said, adding that in the event of failure in joining NATO, Sweden's military budget will have to be significantly increased.