The Swedish government officially announced its refusal to apply for NATO membership. This follows from the foreign policy declaration of 2022, which was signed by Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde. This is stated in a corresponding document published on the website of the Swedish government.

"The right to choose our own security policy is central to our security. The government does not intend to apply for NATO membership. Our security policy remains unchanged. Our non-participation in military alliances serves us and contributes to stability and security in Northern Europe," Linde said.

Such a course, she said, involves a proactive, broad and responsible security and foreign policy combined with deepening defense cooperation, including transatlantic cooperation.

"Our security situation is serious. There is increasing confrontational rhetoric and Russian military action, both visible and covert. The Russian military presence near Ukraine's borders and Russia's demands for security guarantees threaten the very essence of the European security order," Linde said.

She noted that the European security order is non-negotiable. Protecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is important for the security of Europe as a whole.

"Ukraine, like Sweden, has the right to make its own security policy choices. Russia has no right to dictate them through threats and violence. The norms of international law on state sovereignty and political independence are part of the European security order," summarized the Swedish Foreign Minister.