The transfer, which is prone to upset the federal government of Russian President Vladimir Putin, got here after neighbouring Finland introduced Sunday that it too would search to affix the 30-country navy alliance.
Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson referred to as it "a historic change in our nation's safety coverage" as she addressed lawmakers within the Swedish capital.
READ MORE: Why NATO navy alliance has Russia nervous
"We are going to inform NATO that we need to turn into a member of the alliance," she stated. "Sweden wants formal safety ensures that include membership in NATO."
Andersson including that Sweden was performing along with Finland, whose authorities introduced on Sunday it might search to to affix the alliance.
The announcement got here after a debate within the Riksdagen, or parliament, earlier Monday confirmed that there's a large assist for becoming a member of NATO. Out of Sweden's eight events, solely two smaller left-leaning events opposed it.
On Sunday, the Swedish Social Democrats broke with the get together's long-standing place that Sweden should stay nonaligned, paving the best way for a transparent majority for NATO membership within the parliament.
Public opinion in each Nordic nations was firmly in opposition to becoming a member of NATO earlier than the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, however assist for NATO membership surged shortly in each nations after that.
"The Swedish authorities's intent is to use for NATO membership. A historic day for Sweden," International Minister Ann Linde wrote on Twitter. "With a broad assist from political events within the parliament, the conclusion is that Sweden will stand stronger along with allies in NATO."
As soon as a regional navy energy, Sweden has averted navy alliances for the reason that finish of the Napoleonic Wars. Like Finland it remained impartial all through the Chilly Battle, however shaped nearer relations with NATO after the 1991 Soviet collapse.
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the governments in Finland and Sweden responded by swiftly initiating discussions throughout political events about NATO membership and reaching out the US, Britain, Germany and different NATO nations for his or her assist.
The Kremlin, nonetheless, has repeatedly warned the transfer would have destabilising penalties for safety in Europe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Monday that Moscow "doesn't have an issue" with Sweden or Finland as they apply for NATO membership, however that "the growth of navy infrastructure onto this territory will in fact give rise to our response in response."
In Helsinki, Senate Republican chief Mitch McConnell stated Monday that there's "very vital" assist within the Congress and that he expects swift ratification. He stated he hoped a vote may very well be held earlier than the August recess.
Within the Swedish Parliament, solely the small Left and Inexperienced events objected to in search of NATO membership.
Andersson stated Sweden would refuse nuclear weapons or everlasting NATO bases on its soil — related situations as neighbouring Norway and Denmark insisted on when the alliance was shaped after World Battle II.
Although NATO officers have expressed hopes for a fast ratification course of, all 30 present NATO members should comply with let Finland and Sweden within the door. Turkey voiced some objections final week, accusing the 2 nations of supporting Kurdish militants and others whom Turkey considers to be terrorists.
Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist instructed public broadcaster SVT that a Swedish delegation can be despatched to Ankara to debate the difficulty.