Axel Wernhoff, Sweden’s Ambassador to NATO, and his Finnish colleague Klaus Korhonen handed over the application letters from their countries at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

This was reported on the website of the North Atlantic Alliance.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, had personally accepted the membership applications.

This launches the formal procedure for these countries to join the Alliance.

Joining NATO will end a decade of Finnish neutrality and approximately 200 years of Swedish neutrality.

“This is a good day, at a critical moment for our security. Every nation has the right to choose its own path. You have both made your choice, after thorough democratic processes, and I warmly welcome the requests by Finland and Sweden to join NATO. You are our closest partners, and your membership in NATO would increase our shared security. This is a historic moment,” said Jens Stoltenberg.

Applications must be approved by each of the 30 member countries of the North Atlantic Alliance.

Previously, both countries stated that the decision to apply for NATO membership was dictated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, both Sweden and Finland claim that this step is directed to strengthen their own security and not ” against anyone.”