The Swedish government has formally decided to apply for NATO membership, the country's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson announced Monday.
"We are leaving one era and entering another. We will inform NATO that we want to become a member of the alliance," the politician said during a press conference.
Andersson also reported that the Cabinet has agreed on a bill that would allow the country to receive military aid from all EU and NATO members from before its accession to the bloc.
"Sweden will be in a vulnerable position while our application is being processed," the leader explained.
For his part, Russia declared: "has no problems" with Finland and Sweden, but will respond to an eventual expansion of NATO's military structure to these countries
Parliamentary opposition leader Ulf Kristersson was also present at the press conference. He praised the decision as "historic" and said that it corresponds to the country's security needs.