Biden Formalizes U.S. Support For Finland, Sweden Joining NATO
Newsy
NATO rules require the consent of all of its 30 existing members before Finland and Sweden can officially accede into the alliance.
President Joe Biden formally welcomed Finland and Sweden joining the NATO alliance Tuesday as he signed the instruments of ratification that delivered the U.S.'s formal backing of the Nordic nations entering the mutual defense pact, part of a reshaping of the European security posture after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"In seeking to join NATO, Finland and Sweden are making a sacred commitment that an attack against one is an attack against all," Biden said at the signing as he called the partnership the "indispensable alliance."
The U.S. became the 23rd ally to approve NATO membership for the two countries. President Biden said he spoke with the heads of both nations before signing the ratification and urged the remaining NATO members to finish their own ratification process "as quickly as possible."
