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Popular support for Sweden joining NATO is growing

NATOSource

Sep 17, 2015

New Swedish Poll Shows Sharp Increase in Support for NATO Membership

By Defense News and Deutsche Welle

From Gerard O’Dwyer, Defense News:  A landmark poll in Sweden reveals a massive shift in public opinion that favors the non-aligned Nordic state joining NATO.

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Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, May 31, 2015

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Sep 17, 2015

Swedish Minister Slams Russian ‘Threats’ About NATO Membership

By Local (Sweden)

Foreign Minister Margot Wallström said relations between Sweden and Russia are “chillier than ever” after she met with the country’s ambassador in Stockholm to ask him to explain comments that the Nordic country would likely face military action if it were to join NATO.

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Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, Jan. 23, 2015

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Sep 11, 2015

Foreign Minister Calls in Russian Envoy Over ‘Threats’ About Sweden Joining NATO

By Reuters and Local (Sweden)

From Johan Sennero, Reuters:  Sweden has called in Russia’s ambassador to explain comments by a foreign ministry spokeswoman who said any Swedish decision to join NATO would have “consequences” that would compel Russia to respond.

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Deputy defense ministers of Norway, USA, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, Sept. 8, 2015

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Sep 10, 2015

Russia Concerns Prompt First-Ever US, Nordic Deputy Defense Ministers’ Meeting

By Christopher P. Cavas, Defense News

US Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work wrapped up the first-ever meeting of Nordic and US deputy defense ministers, proclaiming the discussions a success, with a number of staffers calling the talks better than expected.

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NATO activates staff units in 6 members states, Sept. 3, 2015

NATOSource

Sep 3, 2015

NATO Activates Staff Units in Six Eastern Members

By Jens Stoltenberg, NATO

Today, we raise the NATO flag over six new headquarters. The NATO Force Integration Units. Here in Vilnius. But also in Bucharest, Bydgoszcz, Sofia, Riga, and Tallinn.

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"Sweden cannot expect military support if we are not full members"

NATOSource

Sep 3, 2015

Swedes Lean Toward NATO, Await Moscow’s Response

By Paul McLeary

The leadership of Sweden’s Centre Party said Tuesday the time had come for a more serious consideration of joining the military alliance in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine and increasing fears in the Baltic States about Moscow’s intentions.

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Leader of Sweden's Center Party Annie Lööf, Oct. 15, 2014

NATOSource

Sep 1, 2015

Sweden’s Center Party Changing Position, Leaders Now Call for Membership in NATO

By The Local (Sweden)

[T]he centre-right Alliance opposition has up until now been split on the issue with the largest party – the Moderates – and the Liberals being strongly in favour of Nato and its partners the Centre Party and the Christian Democrats taking a more hesitant stance.

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In the News

Sep 1, 2015

Benitez on Sweden Joining NATO

By Jorge Benitez

Foreign Policy quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow Jorge Benitez on Swedish popular opinion to join NATO and Russia’s hostile response:

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Soldiers in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, May 11, 2015

NATOSource

Aug 27, 2015

The Case for NATO’s Military Presence in Central and Eastern Europe

By Artur Kacprzyk, PISM

Calls for a permanent NATO presence will not die down any time soon, given the persistence of Poland and the Baltic States both before and after the Wales summit.

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Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, Aug. 15, 2014

NATOSource

Aug 26, 2015

Finland ‘In No Position’ to Defend Baltic States: President

By AFP and YLE

From AFP:  Finland is in no position to help defend its Baltic neighbours and fellow EU members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania should it become necessary, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said on Tuesday.

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