Finland and Sweden formally apply for NATO membership historic shift

Finland and Sweden submit formal applications to join NATO, making one of the most notable shifts in European security since the Cold War. Both nations had maintained decades of military non-alignment as a matter of policy. Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine caused a rapid reversal in public opinion in both countries. Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson travel to Washington to meet with President Biden, who calls the bid a "proud day for NATO." The applications require unanimous approval from all 30 NATO members. Turkey initially objects, delaying ratification for both countries.