Majority in Swedish Parliament Now Backs Having ‘NATO Option’ on the Table

This is already the position of Finland

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – A Swedish parliamentary majority in favour of readiness to join NATO as a possible security policy option has emerged for the first time after the far-right Sweden Democrats party shifted position on the military alliance.

However, the government, which decides foreign and security policies, remained opposed to adopting such a “NATO option”.

The introduction of a “NATO option” would not mean Sweden would apply for membership of the U.S.-led Western alliance but rather that Sweden would consider it down the road if deemed necessary for security.

The Sweden Democrats, better known for their anti-immigrant positions, said they still oppose NATO membership as such, but now favour taking on such an option in order to align Swedish defence policy with the “NATO option” stance of neighbouring fellow Nordic state Finland.

“We have long advocated entering into a defence alliance with Finland and are now taking a decisive step in that direction,” Sweden Democrat party leader Jimmie Akesson said in a commentary published by the Aftonbladet daily.

“With Sweden announcing a so-called NATO option, like Finland, we strengthen security in our immediate region.”

Fellow Nordic nations Norway, Denmark and Iceland are NATO members.

Parliament’s defence and foreign affairs committee decided on Wednesday to call on the government in the legislature next week to add a NATO option to security policy, Sweden Democrats parliamentarian Roger Richthoff said.

Four parties in parliament expressly back Sweden joining NATO, though not the minority ruling coalition comprised of the Social Democrats and Greens.

Foreign Minister Ann Linde of the Social Democrats told TT news agency the government had no such plans. “These kinds of sudden changes based on fairly weak majorities, it’s not good. It undermines the credibility of Swedish security policy.”

The government remains convinced that the nation is best served by independence from alliances and that this contributes to security in northern Europe, she added.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, now with 30 members, was founded in 1949 to confront the threat of the communist Soviet Union, which broke up in 1991.

Post-Soviet Russia has accused NATO of fostering instability in Europe. Some analysts say that by remaining outside NATO, Sweden feels safer from Moscow. Sweden was also neutral during World War Two and was not invaded by Nazi Germany.

Source: Reuters

4 Comments
  1. thomas malthaus says

    http://thesaker.is/nato-and-the-eu-are-sending-a-message-to-russia-again/

    NATO and the EU Sending a Message to Russia–Again.

    With the perceived advantage in hypersonic missile technology, Russia would likely have the tactical or undeclared first strike edge.
    That’s provided they have North America and Europe strategically encircled.

    I don’t think the Americans or NATO are mentally prepared for a prolonged confrontation while attempting the crossover into Russia.

    After long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, I doubt the morale could be ginned up. The mere announcement to soldiers with multiple tours in both nations might set off a suicide pandemic among Army and Marine Corps ranks.

    The unfortunate conundrum for NATO and EU bureaucrats is that talking tough sets the table or justification for their financial gravy train in a financially unstable world. Add the global fossil fuel deprivation scenario which literally assures oil and natural gas global shortfalls by as early as perhaps 2028, one can understand their irresponsible rhetoric.

    My only request to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is to make it relatively painless to Americans that are, and will continue to be, suffering from the globalist tyranny.

    Spacibo.

    https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/hypersonics-dod-wants-hundreds-of-weapons-asap/

  2. cechas vodobenikov says

    do Sweden and Finland want to become amerikan colonies?

    1. Bob avlon says

      Silly politicians thinking only of being defended is pretty clear. When in fact they have to fight US wars like Vietnam Serbia Afghanistan Iraq Libya. That’s without any questioning. Notice what Nato Option means is not said.

    2. Koh(n)vidinfo says

      More like, primary Targets for Russian Nukes…

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