10.06°C Vancouver

Mar 7, 2024 5:35 PM - The Associated Press

Sweden officially joins Nato, ending decades of neutrality

Share On
sweden-officially-joins-nato-ending-decades-of-neutrality
The ceremony was presided by Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson and secretary of state Antony Blinken, took place at the State Department.

Sweden on Thursday officially joined Nato, becoming the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance. This marks the end of decades of post-World War II neutrality for Sweden, as concerns about Russian aggression in Europe have grown following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The ceremony was presided by Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson and secretary of state Antony Blinken, took place at the State Department. Blinken described the occasion as a historic moment for Sweden, the alliance, and the transatlantic relationship. He emphasised that the Nato alliance is now stronger and larger than ever before.

Later in the day, Kristersson will visit the White House and attend US president Joe Biden's State of the Union address to Congress. The White House expressed that having Sweden as a Nato ally will enhance the safety of the United States and its allies.

In a statement, the White House highlighted the significance of Nato as the most powerful defensive alliance in history, crucial for the security of its citizens. Sweden and Finland, which joined Nato last year, abandoned their long-standing military neutrality as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Latest news

alberta-to-introduce-provincewide-code-of-conduct-for-municipal-councils
AlbertaMar 27, 2026

Alberta to introduce provincewide code of conduct for municipal councils

Alberta’s government says it will introduce legislation in the coming weeks to establish a provincewide code of conduct governing municipal councils, along with third-party oversight for ethics complaints. Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams said the proposed changes are intended to prevent misuse of local rules and improve public trust in elected officials. According to the minister, the legislation would bring in independent investigators to review complaints and would require public disclosure of municipal officials’ salaries. The move follows a 2025 decision by Premier Danielle Smi
india-cuts-excise-duty-on-petrol-diesel-amid-rising-global-crude-prices
IndiaMar 27, 2026

India cuts excise duty on petrol, diesel amid rising global crude prices

The Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel despite rising crude oil prices in international markets, according to a statement from the petroleum ministry. Excise duty on petrol has been cut from ₹13 per litre to ₹3 per litre, while the duty on diesel has been reduced from ₹10 per litre to zero, the ministry said. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the decision was taken to help stabilize fuel prices for consumers. According to the minister, the move is aimed at maintaining affordability and ensuring continued supply across the country. Puri said several
rcmp-seek-to-identify-person-of-interest-in-2024-suspicious-death-in-prince-george
BCMar 26, 2026

RCMP seek to identify person of interest in 2024 suspicious death in Prince George

Prince George RCMP say their investigation into a suspicious death following a house fire in September 2024 is ongoing, and officers are asking the public to help identify a person of interest. Police said they are continuing to gather witness accounts from the night of the incident. “Police continue to seek witnesses to the events of that evening, in order to help bring closure to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer with Prince George RCMP, in a statement. According to an RCMP news release, officers responded to a house fire on Sept.
b-c-conservative-mla-hon-chan-removed-from-caucus-amid-reported-criminal-charges
BCMar 26, 2026

B.C. Conservative MLA Hon Chan removed from caucus amid reported criminal charges

The Conservative Party of British Columbia says Richmond Centre MLA Hon Chan has been removed from its caucus after the party was made aware he is facing what it described as “serious criminal charges.” In a statement, interim leader Trevor Halford said the party takes “any allegations of domestic violence” seriously, but did not provide details about the nature of the charges or when they were laid. No court documents or police statements were immediately cited in the party’s release, and the allegations have not been independently verified. The party did not say whether Chan will c
WorldMar 26, 2026

Drone strikes in Sudan kill at least 28 civilians amid ongoing conflict

At least 28 civilians were killed in two separate drone attacks in Sudan on Wednesday, according to local authorities, as fighting continues in the country’s ongoing civil war that began in 2023. In North Darfur, an attack struck a market in the city of Saraf Omra, killing 22 people and injuring 17 others. Officials said the drone targeted an oil tanker, triggering a fire that spread through a large section of the market. A second strike occurred on a highway in North Kordofan, where a drone hit a truck carrying civilians. Six people were killed and 10 others were injured in that incident, a

Related News