Swedish Civil Defense Minister Tells Citizens To Prepare For War

Mr Bohlin (pictured) not only warned the Swedes about the real chance that Sweden is facing the possibility of war but also asked citizens to be prepared and aware that it is something that can really happen. ©Provided by The Daily Digest 

Daily Mail: Sweden is warned to 'brace for war': Civil Defence minister tells citizens to 'get moving' and prepare for the end of 210 years of peace as country bids to join NATO in face of Russia tensions 

* Minister urged Swedish citizens to ask themselves 'who are you if war comes?' 

* Comes as Zelensky said allies must 'finish' Putin to avoid destruction of Ukraine 

Sweden's civil defence minister has warned his country could soon face the prospect of war and urged citizens to join voluntary defence organisations in preparation for a potential armed conflict. 

In a rousing speech that took note of his country's hotly anticipated accession to NATO this year and ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, Carl-Oskar Bohlin called on ordinary citizens to ask themselves 'who are you if war comes?'. 

Speaking at Sweden's annual 'Folk och Försvar' (Society and Defence) conference in Sälen this past weekend, the minister said: 'It is human to want to view life as you wish it was, rather than as it actually is.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Its all about getting a bigger defense budget and more weapons .... Sweden 'must make more weapons' as defence chief warns citizens to prepare for war (Express).  

Update: After this warning there was panic .... Sweden's defense ministry warning to brace for 'war' sends public into panic (FOX News). More here .... Sweden’s Gen Z overwhelm helpline after country told ‘there could be war’ (The Telegraph). 

Swedish Civil Defense Minister Tells Citizens To Prepare For War   

Sweden must brace for war, claims top official in push for greater defence spending -- The Independent  

Sweden Issues Ominous Warning to Citizens - NATO -- Newsweek  

Sweden issues warning to 'brace for war' as defence minister urges citizens to 'move' -- GBN  

Sweden states all citizens must be prepared for war -- RBC Ukraine  

Swedish alarm after defence chiefs' war warning -- BBC

Iraq Severs Diplomatic Ties With Sweden Over Quran Burning

 

FOX News: Iraq severs diplomatic ties with Sweden over anti-Quran demonstration as protesters storm Baghdad embassy  

Images show protesters scaling walls of Swedish Embassy in Iraq 

Iraq has severed diplomatic ties with Sweden Thursday after a planned anti-Quran demonstration unfolded in Stockholm, during which an individual stepped on and kicked the Islamic holy book and Iraqi flag. 

The move came after images emerged of protesters storming the Swedish embassy in Baghdad for the second time in less than a month, lighting a small fire and sending plumes of smoke into the air. 

The demonstrator in the Swedish capital Thursday – identified in Swedish media as Salwan Momika, an Iraqi of Christian origin who lives in Sweden as a self-identified atheist – had threatened to burn a copy of the Quran, according to The Associated Press. But he did not do so.  

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Update: Iraq expels Swedish ambassador over planned burning of Qur’an in Stockholm (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: Sweden's embassy in Baghdad was lit on fire on Tuesday .... Outrage over man who desecrated Quran prompts protesters to set Swedish Embassy in Iraq on fire (AP). More here .... Swedish Embassy In Baghdad Burned As Iraqis Storm Compound Over Planned Quran-Burning (Zero Hedge).  

Update: Sweden is withdrawing its embassy staff .... Sweden temporarily withdraws Iraq embassy staff after storming (AP). More here .... Swedish embassy in Iraq relocates after attack over Quran burning (Al Jazeera).

Sweden Learns That Joining NATO Has Strings Attached

Turkey holds a deciding vote on whether Sweden can join NATO. | Photo 250290507 © Elif Aytar | Dreamstime.com  

William Rampe, Reason: Sweden Learns That NATO Has Strings Attached 

Sweden wants to join NATO to protect itself from Russia. Unfortunately, NATO admission will require Sweden—and the U.S.—to make significant concessions to Turkey. 

On July 7, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to "ensure ratification" of Sweden's application to join NATO in Turkey's parliament, according to NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg. 

This deal comes amid additional reports of acquiescence to Turkish demands, including Swedish support for the country's European Union (E.U.) accession process and the U.S. working to provide Turkey with $20 billion worth of F-16s and 79 modernization kits for existing aircraft.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: There are always strings when it comes to organizations like NATO.

Turkey Approves Sweden's NATO Membership

 

BBC: Turkey backs Sweden's Nato membership 

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to support Sweden's bid to join Nato, the military alliance's chief Jens Stoltenberg says. 

He said the Turkish leader would forward Sweden's bid to parliament in Ankara and "ensure ratification". 

Meanwhile, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said: "I am very happy, it is a good day for Sweden." 

Turkey had previously spent months blocking Sweden's application, accusing it of hosting Kurdish militants. 

As one of Nato's 31 members, Turkey has a veto over any new country joining the group.  

Read more .... 

Turkey Approves Sweden's NATO Membership 

Turkey to send Sweden’s NATO accession protocol to Parliament swiftly -- AP  

Sweden’s path to NATO membership cleared after Turkey greenlights bid -- CNBC  

Turkey agrees to support Sweden’s Nato application -- The Guardian  

Turkey's President Erdogan gives green light to Sweden's NATO bid, says Stoltenberg -- Euronews 

Unpacking The NATO-Turkey-Sweden Deal -- RFE

Swedish Parliamentary Report Says Russian Attack Cannot Be Ruled Out

CV90 combat vehicles are seen during the Aurora 23 military exercise at Rinkaby firing range outside Kristianstad, Sweden, May 06, 2023. (TT News Agency/Johan Nilsson via Reuters) 

VOA/Reuters: Russian Attack Cannot Be Ruled Out, Says Swedish Parliamentary Report – SVT 

Stockholm — A Swedish parliament defense committee report said a Russian military attack against Sweden cannot be ruled out, Swedish public service broadcaster SVT said on Sunday, citing sources. 

Sweden has been scrambling to bolster its defenses and applied to join NATO last year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Sweden was invited to apply but Turkey and Hungary are yet to ratify the application. 

The parliamentary report, due to be published on Monday, said that although Russian ground forces were tied up in Ukraine, other types of military attacks against Sweden could not be ruled out, SVT said, citing sources who worked on the report.  

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WNU Editor: This Swedish report was made public to push this .... We're ready to join NATO: Swedish Defense Minister (Kurdistan 24).

Sweden Stages Biggest War Games In 25 Years

The Swedish army, navy, air force and home guard, helped by soldiers from 13 countries, will practise what they would do if Sweden were attacked by an unnamed foreign power. [Shutterstock/DanaSnsk]  

DW: Sweden starts largest military exercise in over 25 years 

More than 26,000 soldiers from 14 countries, including the US and European members of NATO, are taking part in Sweden's largest military drill in decades. 

Swedish authorities launched military exercise Aurora 23 on Monday, starting weeks of drills "in the air, on ground and at sea," according to a statement from the Swedish Armed Forces. 

Aurora 23 is the biggest exercise in Sweden in more than 25 years, and will run until May 11. 

 Soldiers from the US, the UK, France, Germany and neighboring Nordic nations are all taking part in the drills. The exercise aims to train the troops for the event of a major armed attack on Sweden.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: 13 countries have joined Sweden in these exercises.

Sweden Stages Biggest War Games In 25 Years  

Sweden to conduct largest military exercise in 30 years -- EurActiv  

Sweden stages biggest war games in 25 years as its bid to join Nato remains blocked -- AFP  

Major international military exercise begins in Sweden -- TASS  

Sweden to launch military drill with partners, largest in over 25 years -- Ukrinform

IN PICS: Sweden stages biggest military exercise in 25 years -- The Local/AFP

Nordic Countries Combine Air Defenses To Counter Russian Threat

#Nordic air chiefs sign the first Nordic Air Commanders' Intent, which is the foundation for a unified Nordic air defence. The ultimate goal is to be able to operate together as one force. Read more (in Danish) ➡️ https://t.co/p7Qc0Uv5pX #dkforsvar #dkpol https://t.co/lO2dSMH6UO

— IPC Denmark (@IPC_DK) March 24, 2023

Warzone/The Drive: Nordic Air Defense Pact Combines Forces Of Hundreds Of Fighter Aircraft 

Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden are working to combine air defense forces in the face of the Russian threat. 

To better cope with threats emanating from Russia, the countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden have created a unified Nordic air defense alliance, pooling the resources of their air forces. They have upwards of 300 fighter jets between them as well as training, transport and surveillance fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. 

Those four nations on Friday announced they signed the first Nordic Air Commanders' Intent last week during a meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

“The declaration of intent strengthens Nordic cooperation and paves the way for further strengthening of the Nordic air forces,” the four nations said Friday in a joint statement. “The ultimate goal is to be able to operate seamlessly together as one force by developing a Nordic concept for joint air operations based on already-known NATO methodology.”  

Read more .... 

Nordic Countries Combine Air Defenses To Counter Russian Threat  

Nordic countries plan joint air defence to counter Russian threat -- Reuters  

Nordics form joint fleet of 200+ modern fighter jets, bad for Russia -- Insider  

Nordic countries move toward linking their air forces: 250 planes -- Defense News  

In A Historic First, Denmark, Finland, Norway & Sweden Join Forces To Operate A 250-Strong Fighter Jet Fleet -- EurAsian Times  

Nordic countries plan joint air defence to counter Russian threat -- Al Jazeera

Sweden To Reactivate Civil Conscription To Boost Defense

Bloomberg: Sweden Aims to Reactivate Civil Conscription to Boost Defense 

(Bloomberg) -- Sweden’s government is taking steps to reactivate civil conscription in the latest move to shore up its defense capabilities in the wake of Russia’s war against Ukraine. 

The Nordic country, which in May sought entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization together with neighboring Finland, is also ramping up the number of people who are called to serve in the armed forces after a 2017 decision to resurrect military conscription. 

Sweden has pledged to increase military spending to 2% of its gross domestic product, and it aims to almost double the number of conscripts to 10,000 by the next decade. 

Now, the government will ask the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency to prepare education for people who would be asked to serve with municipal emergency services in the event of a military conflict, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at a news conference on Monday. 

The plan aims at bolstering civil defenses while also providing an option for conscripts who are unwilling to undergo military training.  

Read more ....

Update #1: Sweden aims to reactivate civil conscription to shore up defences (Al Jazeera)  

Update #2: Sweden To Reactivate Civil Conscription In Response To Ukraine War (Zero Hedge)  

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. Other EU governments are going to copy Sweden if the security situation over Ukraine continues to deteriorate.

Turkey Says Finland, Sweden Have Not Done Enough To Join NATO

A handout photograph made available by the Turkish Presidency Press Office on November 4, 2022 shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (R) posing during their meeting in Istanbul. © Murat Cetin Muhurdar, AFP  

France 24: Turkey warns Finland, Sweden must 'take steps' before joining NATO 

Turkey will not formally approve Finland and Sweden's membership of NATO until the two countries take the necessary "steps", Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg Friday. 

Ankara has accused the two Nordic nations of providing a safe haven for outlawed Kurdish militants it deems "terrorists" and held back on ratifying their NATO membership despite an agreement in June. 

"President Erdogan noted that the steps to be taken by Sweden and Finland would determine how fast the approval process... would go and when it would be concluded," the Turkish presidency said.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is growing impatient with Turkey .... NATO chief to Turkey: It’s time to welcome Finland and Sweden as full members (Global News). More here .... NATO chief says it's 'time to welcome' Finland, Sweden (DW). 

Turkey Says Finland, Sweden Have Not Done Enough To Join NATO  

Despite diplomacy, Hungary & Turkey still blocking Sweden and Finland from NATO -- Euronews  

Turkey Says Finland, Sweden Have Not Done Enough to Join NATO -- The Libertarian Institute  

Sweden to distance itself from Kurdish groups in bid to join NATO -- Reuters  

NATO chief urges Turkey to stop stalling Sweden, Finland accession -- Al-Monitor

Sweden's PM Concedes Election Defeat. Right-Wing Bloc Wins Narrow Majority In Swedish Parliament

 

The Guardian: Swedish PM concedes election defeat to bloc including far-right Sweden Democrats 

Loose coalition of SD and centre-right parties wins majority of three in parliament 

The leader of Sweden’s incumbent Social Democrats conceded defeat in the country’s knife-edge election on Wednesday, handing victory to a loose bloc of rightwing parties that includes the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD). 

The prime minister, Magdalena Andersson, called a press conference at which she accepted defeat, while pointing out that the Social Democrats remained Sweden’s largest party with more than 30% of the vote – and that the majority in parliament for the right bloc was very slim.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: It is a 3 seat majority for the SD and centre-right parties. 

Sweden's PM Concedes Election Defeat  

Populist leader claims right-wing victory in Sweden election -- AP  

Swedish right prepares for power as PM accepts election defeat -- Reuters  

Magdalena Andersson: Swedish PM resigns as right-wing parties win vote -- BBC  

Swedish PM resigns after right, far-right poll win -- France 24  

Sweden election: PM Magdalena Andersson concedes victory to right-wing opposition -- DW  

Populist anti-immigration leader claims victory in Swedish elections -- SKY News

 Sweden’s PM concedes election to right-wing bloc and will resign tomorrow -- Euronews

Swedish Rightwing Parties Are Now On Verge Of A Narrow Election Win

 

The Guardian: Swedish rightwing on verge of narrow election win but waits on final tally 

Bloc including far-right Sweden Democrats on course for one-seat majority with last votes to be counted Sweden’s future is balanced on a knife-edge as the country awaits a final tally of the votes in Sunday’s general election, in which a loose bloc of rightwing parties led by the far-right Sweden Democrats – now the second largest party – holds the slimmest of majorities. 

With 95% of the vote counted, the right bloc was on 49.7%, while four parties on the left, including the incumbent Social Democrats, stood at 49%. 

The final picture will come on Wednesday after the votes of Swedish citizens living abroad and those of some who voted early are counted.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This is a seismic change in Sweden. The right-wing parties are now engaged in talks to form the next government .... Sweden election: Right-wing bloc starts talks to form new government (Euronews). The Swedish Democrats with the anti-immigrant and anti-crime agenda are now the second largest party in Sweden. It is going to be interesting to see how long this coalition can last.

Swedish Right-wing Parties Are Now On Verge Of A Narrow Election Win  

Swedish election puts anti-immigration Sweden Democrats centre stage -- Reuters  

Swedish voters boost anti-immigration party amid high crime -- AP  

Sweden’s far-right make gains in tightly contested election, results too close to call -- CNBC  

The rise of Jimmie Åkesson - The leader Sweden Democrats -- Euronews

Sweden's Election Too Close To Call On Sunday Night. Right-Wing Bloc Holds A Narrow Lead

 

BBC: Sweden election: Result could take days as vote too close to call 

Sweden's election was too close to call on Sunday night, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said. 

Exit polls at first predicted victory for the incumbent left-wing coalition, but results later suggested the right-wing bloc could narrowly win. 

Immigration and crime were major issues in the campaign, and the far-right Sweden Democrats look set to become the second-largest party. 

It could take until Wednesday for all votes to be counted. Soon after polls closed, an early exit poll by Sweden's public broadcaster suggested Ms Andersson's coalition of four left-wing parties would narrowly win, with 49.8% of the vote compared to 49.2%. 

But the left's celebrations were perhaps premature, as later partial results put the right-wing group ahead, with a projected 176 of 349 seats in parliament after 94% of electoral districts were counted.   

Read more ....  

WNU editor: It looks like an upset is about to happen.

 Sweden's Election Too Close To Call On Sunday Night  

Tight race between Sweden's left and right blocs in parliamentary elections — exit polls -- DW News 

Rightwing Swedish election victory looms with more than 90% of vote counted -- The Guardian  

Anti-immigrant Sweden Democrats leader eyes right-wing election victory -- France 24  

Far-right party close to causing huge political upset in Sweden's neck-and-neck election -- SKY News

Swedes Go To The Polls On Sunday

Bloomberg: Swedes Head to Polls in Nail-Biter Election Centering on Crime 

(Bloomberg) -- Sweden is heading for a tight general election on Sunday, with polls showing Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson neck-and-neck with the opposition that’s looking to unseat her Social Democrats. 

The vote comes after a campaign dominated by skyrocketing electricity prices and soaring gun violence that are shaking Swedish society to the core. 

The country, long a bastion of social democracy, has seen its political landscape upended by the nationalist Sweden Democrats over the past years. The anti-immigration party is a part of the center-right opposition bloc that is seeking four years at the helm of the biggest Nordic country, proposing to reverse a policy of gradually exiting nuclear energy and warning Andersson’s victory could result in higher taxes. 

Still, Andersson could benefit from being seen as a responsible leader in time of crisis. The results will trickle in on Sunday night and by Monday morning it should be clear whether opposition parties will get a shot at forming a new government.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It looks like joining NATO is not a ballot issue. Inflation, cost of living, and crime are. 

Swedes Go To The Polls On Sunday 

Crime, far-right set tone in Swedish nail-biter vote -- AFP  

‘Make Sweden great again.’ Far right on the cusp of power -- Politico 

'Too much immigration, not enough integration': Migrant clans' war-like violence tops Swedish voters' concerns as country becomes worst in Europe for shootings -- Daily Mail  

Populist Sweden Democrats seek 'seismic' election breakthrough -- Financial Times  

Sweden's election: What's at stake? -- DW  

The Far-Right Is Surging in Sweden. Here’s What To Know About the Upcoming Election -- Time

Sweden And Finland Are Bailing Out Their Power Companies With The Closure Of Nord Stream 1 Gas Pipeline

Sydney Morning Herald: Nord Stream 1 closure threatens Sweden, Finland energy market with ‘Lehman Brothers’ crisis 

Stockholm: Finland and Sweden have announced plans to offer billions of dollars in liquidity guarantees to power companies in their countries after Russia’s Gazprom shut the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, deepening Europe’s energy crisis. 

The Kremlin blamed European politicians on Sunday for the closure of the pipeline, saying their economic sanctions on Russia had hindered Gazprom from conducting maintenance. 

Finland is aiming to offer €10 billion ($14.6 billion) and Sweden plans to offer 250 billion Swedish crowns ($34 billion) in liquidity guarantees. 

“This has had the ingredients for a kind of a Lehman Brothers of energy industry,” Finnish Economic Affairs Minister Mika Lintila said on Sunday, local time.  

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. This is going to be the first of many bailouts, and it will involve other countries and their power companis.

Two American B-52 Bombers Make A Low Sweep Over Stockholm

🇺🇸🇸🇪US strategic bombers and fighter jets sighted over Stockholm, the capital of Sweden now pic.twitter.com/9zGOqwDZ1j

— AZ 🛰🌏🌍🌎 (@AZmilitary1) September 2, 2022

Defence Post: American B-52 Bombers Make Low Sweep Over Stockholm 

American B-52 bombers flew low over Stockholm’s parliament and palace on Friday as Sweden ramps up exercises with the United States in view of the Scandinavian country’s NATO membership.

The two US Air Force planes were escorted by JAS Gripen fighters as they overflew the capital around 12:15 pm (1015 GMT), Sweden’s military said. 

While the US bombers have taken part in exercises in Sweden before, it was the first time they have flown over the capital, a military spokeswoman, Therese Fagerstedt, told AFP.  

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WNU Editor: This is what I call sending a message to the Swedes.

NATO Signs Accession Protocol For Finland, Sweden

 

CBS: NATO allies sign accession protocols for Finland and Sweden 

London — NATO's 30 ambassadors on Tuesday signed accession protocols for Sweden and Finland to join the transatlantic military alliance. 

It was the next step in the process of NATO's most significant expansion since the mid-1990s, and a direct response by the alliance to Russia's war on Ukraine. 

The protocols still must be ratified by the legislatures of each allied government before the two Nordic countries become official members, but the group's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called it "truly an historic moment for Finland, for Sweden and for NATO."  

Read more ....  

Update: NATO nations sign accession protocols for Sweden, Finland (AP)  

WNU Editor: Turkey is still issuing threats .... Turkey Renews Threat to Veto Sweden and Finland’s NATO Bids (Bloomberg).

NATO Formally Invites Finland And Sweden To Join The Alliance

 

Daily Mail: NATO formally invites Finland and Sweden to join the alliance after Biden said Putin is getting 'exactly what he didn't want' in the 'NATO-ization of Europe' and bolstered international US military support 

* NATO on Wednesday formally invited Sweden and Finland to join its alliance 

* President Joe Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin is getting 'exactly what he didn't want' - the NATO-zation of Europe 

* Biden praised deal that paved way for Sweden and Finland to join NATO 

* 'Putin was looking for the Finland-ization of Europe and we're gonna get the NATO-zation of Europe,' Biden said 

* Biden added: 'And that's exactly what he didn't want to do - it's exactly what needs to be done to guarantee security for Europe' 

* Under deal made Tuesday, Turkey released its objections to Sweden and Finland 

* Biden will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday 

NATO on Wednesday formally invited Sweden and Finland to join its alliance after Turkey dropped its objections. 

 'The accession of Finland and Sweden will make them safer, NATO stronger, and the Euro-Atlantic area more secure. 

The security of Finland and Sweden is of direct importance to the Alliance, including during the accession process,' the statement from NATO said. 

The addition of the two Nordic countries, which must be approved by each of NATO's 30 allied parliaments, will be the most extensive expansion of the alliance since the 1990s, when the post Soviet bloc countries were added.  

Read more .... 

NATO Formally Invites Finland And Sweden To Join The Alliance 

Nato summit: Turkey pushes Finland and Sweden on extradition after deal -- BBC 

NATO invites Finland, Sweden to join, says Russia is a 'direct threat' -- Reuters  

NATO formally invites Sweden, Finland to join the alliance -- France 24  

Turkey to seek extradition of 33 'terrorists' from Finland, Sweden -- DW 

NATO formally invites Finland and Sweden to join alliance -- CNN 

NATO invites Sweden, Finland become members in wake of Russia's Ukraine war -- FOX News  

NATO invites Finland, Sweden to join as alliance eyes 'direct threat' from Putin -- NBC

Sweden and Finland formally invited to join NATO as alliance tells Russia to withdraw from Ukraine 'immediately' -- SKY News

NATO Secretary General Wants Sweden And Finland To Join 'As Soon As Possible'

(LtoR) Finland's Ambassador to NATO Klaus Korhonen, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Sweden's Ambassador to NATO Axel Wernhoff pose during a ceremony to mark Sweden's and Finland's applications for membership in Brussels, on May 18, 2022. - JOHANNA GERON/POOL/AFP  

Zero Hedge: NATO Chief Calls For Sweden And Finland To Join 'As Soon As Possible' 

Why is NATO so anxious to induct multiple countries near the borders of Russia into the fold without concern for the geopolitical consequences? Probably because the war in Ukraine is not going so well. Or, perhaps the goal is to deliberately create an even wider conflict. Either way, NATO's behavior suggests that there is considerable information that is not being revealed to the general public. 

NATO Chief General Jens Stoltenberg has been pushing for swift approval of applications from Sweden and Finland, with Department of Defense officials in the US calling on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to quickly approve the requests.  

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WNU Editor: The US is optimistic that Swden and finland will soon become NATO members .... US is hopeful for positive Sweden, Finland NATO bid resolution (CNA/Reuters). Turkey is still an obstacle .... NATO blinks as Turkey maintains threats to block Sweden, Finland from alliance (Al-Monitor).

Finland And Sweden To Formally Submit Their NATO Bids Together

 

Politico: Finland and Sweden sign off on NATO bids — now the waiting game begins 

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö visits Stockholm as two countries prepare to join military alliance. 

STOCKHOLM — The ink was still drying on Sweden and Finland’s applications to join NATO on Tuesday when Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö arrived at the royal palace in Stockholm in a horse-drawn carriage. 

Niinistö’s state visit, scheduled several weeks ago, is seen as a potential bookend to what has been a rapid process of domestic and international discussions over accession by the two Nordic states into the Western defense alliance. 

Earlier Tuesday, in front of TV cameras, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Ann Linde had signed her country’s official application, which she said would soon go to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg alongside a similar paper from Finland.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Sweden and Finland to formally submit Nato bids ‘hand in hand’ (The Guardian) 

Update #2: Sweden, Finland push ahead with NATO bids as Turkey objects (AP)  

WNU Editor: The only obstacle for Sweden and Finland in their NATO bids is Turkey .... Turkey threatens to block Finland and Sweden Nato bids (BBC). But I am willing to bet that in the coming weeks NATO is going to give a deal to Turkey that will motivate Turkish President Erdogan to drop his opposition to both Finland and Sweden from joining NATO.

Finland And Sweden Confirm Their Intention To Join NATO

 

Daily Mail: Sweden confirms they also want to join NATO hours after Finland officially announced it will apply to become part of alliance despite Putin saying country has 'made a mistake' 

* Sweden's ruling Social Democratic Party has said it backs NATO membership bid 

* It comes after Finland said early Sunday it would be making its own application 

* President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin made announcement 

* 'This is a historic day. A new era begins,' Niinisto said of Finland's decision 

* The Finnish Parliament is expected to endorse the decision in coming days 

* Yesterday, Russian strongman Vladimir Putin told the President of Finland he is making a 'mistake' by joining NATO as it faces 'no security threats' 

* Public support for the two countries to join has swelled since invasion of Ukraine 

Sweden's ruling Social Democrats said on Sunday they backed the country joining NATO, abandoning decades of opposition in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and creating a large parliament majority in favour of membership. 

With neighbouring Finland already set to hand in its application, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson is now all but certain to enter a formal application within days. 

Many Swedish politicians said their support was conditional on Finland joining.  

Read more .... 

Finland And Sweden Confirm Their Intention To Join NATO  

Finland, Sweden inch closer to seeking NATO membership -- AP  

Finland announces 'historic' NATO bid -- AFP  

Finland and Sweden confirm intention to join Nato -- The Guardian  

Finland officially announces support for NATO membership -- DW  

Finland’s leaders say country should apply for NATO membership ‘without delay’ -- CNBC  

Finland will seek to join NATO, leaders say, ditching decades of neutrality despite Russia's threats of retaliation -- CNN

Finland President surprised at Putin's 'calm' response to NATO membership news -- FOX News  

Sweden to join Finland in Nato bid and Eurovision joy - round-up -- BBC

Sweden Declares NATO Membership Bid Hours After Neighboring Finland -- Zero Hedge