Swedish PM Says NATO Bid Now Would Destabilize Region
- Premier Andersson wants to stick to long-standing policies
- Russia has warned Sweden, Finland of ‘military consequences’
Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson
Photographer: Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
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Sweden’s prime minister cooled speculation about any near-term bid to join the NATO defense bloc despite a surge in public backing for such move, saying it could lead to further tension in Europe.
“If Sweden would choose to file an application to NATO in this situation it would further destabilize this part of Europe,” Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said at a press briefing on Tuesday. “My assessment is clear; sticking to Sweden’s long-standing, consistent policy is what serves our security best.”