Sweden and Finland were both neutral throughout the Cold War. Their decision to join NATO represents one of the most noteworthy developments in Europe's security architecture in decades, reflecting a dramatic shift in Nordic public sentiment since Russia's February 24 invasion.
"This is a historical moment that we must seize," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said after the Swedish and Finnish ambassadors to the Alliance handed over their application letters.
The Alliance believes that Finland and Sweden joining it would significantly strengthen it in the Baltic Sea.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on the other hand, expressed his negative stance against the two countries due to their support of the PKK terrorist group. Stoltenberg stated on Wednesday that he believed the problems could be handled. "We are determined to work through all difficulties and reach rapid conclusions," Stoltenberg said, citing the solid backing of the other allies.
