As Sweden aligns closer with NATO, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has articulated a potentially significant shift in the country’s defense posture regarding nuclear weapons. In a recent interview with P1 radio, Kristersson, leader of the conservative Moderate Party, stated that while Sweden would not host U.S. nuclear weapons or troops permanently during peacetime, the approach would change under wartime conditions.
This declaration comes ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote on a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the United States, which among other stipulations, would allow the U.S. military access to 17 Swedish military bases. The agreement, established shortly before Sweden officially joined NATO in late 2023, has stirred debate within the country, particularly concerning the extent of U.S. military influence and the specific terms regarding nuclear weapons.
Critics, including the Left Party, have voiced concerns that the DCA lacks a clear prohibition against stationing nuclear weapons on Swedish soil—a stipulation present in similar U.S. agreements with other Nordic countries like Denmark and Norway. Local communities near the designated military bases have also expressed fears about potential environmental impacts, social tensions, and restricted access to natural areas.
Addressing these concerns, Kristersson emphasized Swedish sovereignty over its territory, stating, “It is Sweden that decides over Swedish territory. That is crystal clear. Everything takes place on Swedish terms.”
The discussion in Sweden reflects broader security concerns in Europe, especially among countries close to Russia, in the context of ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. These developments have prompted NATO members to bolster their defenses and reevaluate their strategic options.
As Sweden navigates its new role within NATO and its bilateral relations with the United States, the outcome of the upcoming parliamentary vote on the DCA will be crucial in defining the future scope of military cooperation and the strategic landscape of Northern Europe.
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