In a significant and emotionally charged address at the NATO Defence Ministers meeting in Brussels on February 13, 2025, Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson reaffirmed Sweden’s unwavering commitment to global security and its evolving role within the alliance. This speech marks a pivotal moment in Sweden’s defense policy, especially following its accession to NATO in March 2024.
Minister Jonson emphasized the importance of collective defense and the strengthening of partnerships within NATO. He stated, “In these challenging times, our unity and shared commitment to peace and security are more crucial than ever.” He highlighted Sweden’s proactive steps to enhance its military capabilities, including plans to expand the armed forces to approximately 115,000 personnel by 2030, an increase of 27,000 from current levels. This expansion encompasses both professional soldiers and conscripts, reflecting Sweden’s dedication to bolstering its defense posture in response to evolving global threats.
Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Minister Jonson reiterated Sweden’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He affirmed that Ukraine’s potential NATO membership remains a possibility, stating, “I don’t foresee the NATO membership as such being off the table for Ukraine.” This underscores Sweden’s commitment to supporting nations that uphold democratic values and seek integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
Furthermore, Minister Jonson announced Sweden’s intention to lead the establishment of NATO land forces in Finland, aiming to strengthen defenses against neighboring Russia. This initiative reflects the deepening defense cooperation between Sweden and Finland, both of which have recently joined NATO. He noted, “The Swedish government has the ambition to take on a role as framework nation for forward land forces in Finland,” highlighting the collaborative efforts to enhance regional security.
In his concluding remarks, Minister Jonson called for increased defense spending among NATO members to address emerging security challenges effectively. He emphasized the need for enhanced industrial capacity to support defense initiatives and reiterated Sweden’s commitment to contributing actively to NATO’s collective security efforts.
This address not only underscores Sweden’s dedication to global security but also signifies its active participation in shaping the future of international defense collaborations within NATO.
Source Links:
- Sweden’s armed forces to grow to 115,000 by 2030, government says
- Ukraine’s future NATO membership not off the table, Sweden says
- Sweden should lead deepening of NATO presence in Finland, the Nordic neighbours agree
