![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaEurope and US need each other, Nato chief Stoltenberg saysPublished2 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, ReutersImage caption, Jens Stoltenberg said that the Nato alliance “must be doing something right” as it had grown from 12 countries to 32 in 75 yearsBy Laura GozziBBC NewsEurope and the US need each other and are “stronger together”, the secretary-general of Nato has said. Jens Stoltenberg was speaking at a ceremony marking the alliance’s 75th anniversary.While the US provided Europe with security, he said it also needed the militaries, intelligence and diplomatic leverage of its European allies.”I don’t believe in America alone just as I don’t believe in Europe alone,” Mr Stoltenberg said.”I believe in America and Europe together in Nato, because we are stronger and safer together.”The Nato chief’s remarks came as the alliance considered a €100bn (£86bn) five-year fund to provide long-term military support for Ukraine, so aid to Kyiv is not jeopardised by political changes either in the US or other Nato states.A US package worth $60bn (£47bn) has been stalled in Congress for months because of resistance from Republican lawmakers, as well as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has spoken of ending the war “in one day”.During his speech, Mr Stoltenberg said Nato must be “doing something right”, as it had grown from 12 countries at its inception to 32. Its newest members Sweden and Finland abandoned their neutrality and joined the alliance as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in response to the speech that relations between Russia and Nato had “slid to the level of direct confrontation” as the alliance was already “involved” in the conflict around Ukraine. Russia’s neighbours urge Nato allies to bring back military service Although Nato is a defensive alliance Mr Peskov alleged it “was conceived, configured, created and controlled by the US as a tool of confrontation” and was now a “destabilising element”.The 32-member alliance has agreed to initiate planning for long-term military support for Ukraine. Several countries have only backed the initiative in theory. Hungary, which has kept close ties with Russia, has warned it will not back “any Nato proposals proposals that might draw the alliance closer to war or shift it from a defensive to an offensive coalition”. The Hungarian government has long sought to distance itself from international initiatives to fund Ukraine’s fight against Russia, and for a period blocked a EU plan to provide a €50bn (£43bn) aid package for Ukraine.Mr Stoltenberg acknowledged the framework of support was yet to be decided, but said Nato foreign ministers had agreed on the principle: “Make no mistake, Ukraine can rely on Nato support now and for the long haul.”US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters support for Ukraine within the alliance is “rock solid” and that he believes Ukraine will eventually become a member of Nato, Reuters reported.Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told reporters at Nato headquarters that while he did not want to “spoil [Nato]’s birthday party”, his country needed help in improving its air defences – specifically Patriot missiles.”Saving Ukrainian lives, saving the Ukrainian economy and saving Ukrainian cities depends on the availability of Patriots and other air defence systems,” Mr Kuleba said. Lacking air superiority and faced with formidable Russian defences, Ukraine’s counter-offensive ground to a halt last year and is now at risk of being outgunned on the front line in the east. The US has given Ukraine more financial aid than any other Nato state- more than $44bn (£34bn) since the 2022 invasion, according to the White House in December. However, its aid has now become caught up in a political row months before the presidential election.Republican candidate Donald Trump has often criticised the level of spending. He has also long complained that the US has shouldered a greater financial burden than the rest of the alliance. Fewer than two-thirds of Nato members are on course to reach their 2% funding goal.Highlighting the importance of Nato’s European allies to the US, Mr Stoltenberg noted it was America’s allies that came to its help after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. That was the only occasion that a key principle of the alliance has been invoked, in which an attack on one ally is seen as an attack on all.Nato allies closest to Russia have stepped up efforts to boost their armed forces. Norway is increasing its number of conscripted soldiers, while Denmark says it intends to extend conscription to women and increase the duration of service. Latvia and Sweden recently restarted military service, while Lithuania brought it back after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.Norway is increasing the number of conscripted soldiers, while Denmark says it intends to extend conscription to women and increase the duration of service. Latvia and Sweden recently restarted military service, while Lithuania brought it back after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.Related TopicsWar in UkraineRussiaUkraineMore on this storyWhat is Nato and why has Sweden joined?Published11 MarchRussia’s neighbours urge Nato allies to bring back military servicePublished15 hours agoNato says Trump comments ‘undermine all of our security’Published11 FebruaryTop StoriesLive. Biden tells Netanyahu US support to depend on Israel easing Gaza sufferingGPS disabled as Israel raises alert over Iran threatPublished1 hour agoEx-MP shocked to be targeted by honeytrap attemptPublished3 hours agoFeaturesDetective’s promise to murdered PC’s husbandFears for Gazans as aid groups halt work over air strike’The walls were crumbling’ – escaping Taiwan’s earthquakeListen: ‘Radical rethink’ needed in NHS on autism and ADHD. AudioListen: ‘Radical rethink’ needed in NHS on autism and ADHDAttributionSoundsIn pictures: Beautiful displays as spring bloomsTrain strikes: How will you be affected?Premier League clubs’ £1bn losses in 11 chartsAttributionSportRussia’s neighbours urge Nato allies to bring back military serviceListen: Americast – Could the Israel-Gaza war cost Biden the election?AttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCIs mushroom coffee better for you than a regular brew?Greg Foot speaks to a fungi expert to find out what the potential benefits areAttributionSoundsOne of the most talented bands to never make it…Why did trailblazers Microdisney fail to achieve the commercial success they deserved?AttributioniPlayerFrom Eurovision to conquering the worldABBA’s current manager, Görel Hanser, looks back at the group’s meteoric rise to stardomAttributionSoundsRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Ex-MP shocked to be targeted by honeytrap attempt2GPS disabled as Israel raises alert over Iran threat3Victoria actor Adrian Schiller dies aged 604Rock band Kiss sells brand and songs for $300m5Not possible to identify cremated ashes, say police6Robbery ringleader guilty of PC’s murder7Denmark shuts shipping strait over missile failure8US visa costs ‘impossible’ to afford, say artists9No boots on the ground in Ukraine, says Cameron10In pictures: Beautiful displays as spring blooms](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/C20D/production/_133077694_01b2eedadf8ec9884c028373b659aeaac793793c0_275_3440_19343440x1934.jpg)
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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaEurope and US need each other, Nato chief Stoltenberg saysPublished2 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, ReutersImage caption, Jens Stoltenberg said that the Nato alliance “must be doing something right” as it had grown from 12 countries to 32 in 75 yearsBy Laura GozziBBC NewsEurope and the US need each other and are “stronger together”, the secretary-general of Nato has said. Jens Stoltenberg was speaking at a ceremony marking the alliance’s 75th anniversary.While the US provided Europe with security, he said it also needed the militaries, intelligence and diplomatic leverage of its European allies.”I don’t believe in America alone just as I don’t believe in Europe alone,” Mr Stoltenberg said.”I believe in America and Europe together in Nato, because we are stronger and safer together.”The Nato chief’s remarks came as the alliance considered a €100bn (£86bn) five-year fund to provide long-term military support for Ukraine, so aid to Kyiv is not jeopardised by political changes either in the US or other Nato states.A US package worth $60bn (£47bn) has been stalled in Congress for months because of resistance from Republican lawmakers, as well as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has spoken of ending the war “in one day”.During his speech, Mr Stoltenberg said Nato must be “doing something right”, as it had grown from 12 countries at its inception to 32. Its newest members Sweden and Finland abandoned their neutrality and joined the alliance as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in response to the speech that relations between Russia and Nato had “slid to the level of direct confrontation” as the alliance was already “involved” in the conflict around Ukraine. Russia’s neighbours urge Nato allies to bring back military service Although Nato is a defensive alliance Mr Peskov alleged it “was conceived, configured, created and controlled by the US as a tool of confrontation” and was now a “destabilising element”.The 32-member alliance has agreed to initiate planning for long-term military support for Ukraine. Several countries have only backed the initiative in theory. Hungary, which has kept close ties with Russia, has warned it will not back “any Nato proposals proposals that might draw the alliance closer to war or shift it from a defensive to an offensive coalition”. The Hungarian government has long sought to distance itself from international initiatives to fund Ukraine’s fight against Russia, and for a period blocked a EU plan to provide a €50bn (£43bn) aid package for Ukraine.Mr Stoltenberg acknowledged the framework of support was yet to be decided, but said Nato foreign ministers had agreed on the principle: “Make no mistake, Ukraine can rely on Nato support now and for the long haul.”US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters support for Ukraine within the alliance is “rock solid” and that he believes Ukraine will eventually become a member of Nato, Reuters reported.Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told reporters at Nato headquarters that while he did not want to “spoil [Nato]’s birthday party”, his country needed help in improving its air defences – specifically Patriot missiles.”Saving Ukrainian lives, saving the Ukrainian economy and saving Ukrainian cities depends on the availability of Patriots and other air defence systems,” Mr Kuleba said. Lacking air superiority and faced with formidable Russian defences, Ukraine’s counter-offensive ground to a halt last year and is now at risk of being outgunned on the front line in the east. The US has given Ukraine more financial aid than any other Nato state- more than $44bn (£34bn) since the 2022 invasion, according to the White House in December. However, its aid has now become caught up in a political row months before the presidential election.Republican candidate Donald Trump has often criticised the level of spending. He has also long complained that the US has shouldered a greater financial burden than the rest of the alliance. Fewer than two-thirds of Nato members are on course to reach their 2% funding goal.Highlighting the importance of Nato’s European allies to the US, Mr Stoltenberg noted it was America’s allies that came to its help after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. That was the only occasion that a key principle of the alliance has been invoked, in which an attack on one ally is seen as an attack on all.Nato allies closest to Russia have stepped up efforts to boost their armed forces. Norway is increasing its number of conscripted soldiers, while Denmark says it intends to extend conscription to women and increase the duration of service. Latvia and Sweden recently restarted military service, while Lithuania brought it back after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.Norway is increasing the number of conscripted soldiers, while Denmark says it intends to extend conscription to women and increase the duration of service. Latvia and Sweden recently restarted military service, while Lithuania brought it back after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.Related TopicsWar in UkraineRussiaUkraineMore on this storyWhat is Nato and why has Sweden joined?Published11 MarchRussia’s neighbours urge Nato allies to bring back military servicePublished15 hours agoNato says Trump comments ‘undermine all of our security’Published11 FebruaryTop StoriesLive. Biden tells Netanyahu US support to depend on Israel easing Gaza sufferingGPS disabled as Israel raises alert over Iran threatPublished1 hour agoEx-MP shocked to be targeted by honeytrap attemptPublished3 hours agoFeaturesDetective’s promise to murdered PC’s husbandFears for Gazans as aid groups halt work over air strike’The walls were crumbling’ – escaping Taiwan’s earthquakeListen: ‘Radical rethink’ needed in NHS on autism and ADHD. AudioListen: ‘Radical rethink’ needed in NHS on autism and ADHDAttributionSoundsIn pictures: Beautiful displays as spring bloomsTrain strikes: How will you be affected?Premier League clubs’ £1bn losses in 11 chartsAttributionSportRussia’s neighbours urge Nato allies to bring back military serviceListen: Americast – Could the Israel-Gaza war cost Biden the election?AttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCIs mushroom coffee better for you than a regular brew?Greg Foot speaks to a fungi expert to find out what the potential benefits areAttributionSoundsOne of the most talented bands to never make it…Why did trailblazers Microdisney fail to achieve the commercial success they deserved?AttributioniPlayerFrom Eurovision to conquering the worldABBA’s current manager, Görel Hanser, looks back at the group’s meteoric rise to stardomAttributionSoundsRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Ex-MP shocked to be targeted by honeytrap attempt2GPS disabled as Israel raises alert over Iran threat3Victoria actor Adrian Schiller dies aged 604Rock band Kiss sells brand and songs for $300m5Not possible to identify cremated ashes, say police6Robbery ringleader guilty of PC’s murder7Denmark shuts shipping strait over missile failure8US visa costs ‘impossible’ to afford, say artists9No boots on the ground in Ukraine, says Cameron10In pictures: Beautiful displays as spring blooms
[ad_1] Highlighting the importance of Nato’s European allies to the US, Mr Stoltenberg noted it was America’s allies that came to its help after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. That…
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSwedes cheer end of long wait to join NatoPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage caption, Wilma: “If Russia were to attack us… then we have several countries backing us up”By Maddy SavageStockholmAlmost two years after applying to join Nato, many Swedes say there is palpable relief that the wait to secure membership in the military alliance is finally over.As Stockholm commuters rushed to work in temperatures of -1C, few were in the mood for a detailed post-mortem of the application process. But many said they already felt safer, just a day after Sweden officially joined Nato, following a document handover in Washington.”I think it’s great, actually. It feels safe, and about time,” said 58-year-old Kristina McConnell, who used to work in the military and was on her way to the city centre law firm where she now practised. Sweden embraced wartime neutrality for more than 200 years, and a decade ago a majority of residents were against joining the multinational military alliance. But support for membership crept up in the mid-2010s, amidst growing signs of Russian aggression in the region, including reports of spy planes in Baltic airspace and a suspected submarine in Swedish waters.In early 2022, the country’s then Social Democrat government – long opposed to joining Nato – reversed its position, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and Sweden swiftly applied for membership.”Swedes were horrified by Russia’s action; they saw their elites rapidly change position on Nato; and they went along with it,” explained Nicholas Aylott, a political scientist at Södertörn University and the Swedish Institute of International Affairs.Image source, EPAImage caption, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (left) says Sweden shares “burdens, responsibilities and risk with other allies”Polls suggested about two thirds of voters were in favour of joining Nato as Sweden formally applied in May 2022. That figure has largely stayed constant; 63% of those asked in January 2024 said they supported Sweden becoming a Nato member, in a survey for polling firm Novus.What is Nato and why is Sweden joining now?How Sweden and Finland went from neutral to NatoAt Sergels torg, central Stockholm’s huge black-and-white paved square, Wilma, 16, told the BBC she already thought she would feel safer in her everyday life, now that Sweden was part of the 32-member Nato alliance.”If Russia were to attack us for example, then we have several countries backing us up, and so you can feel more secure.”There is also a clear sense of pride amongst many Swedes that their small country of just 10 million is being viewed as a valuable new member by others in the alliance.On Friday morning, Sweden’s commercial television news TV4 led its bulletins with video clips of US President Joe Biden mentioning Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in his State of the Union address. The cameras zoomed in on the centre-right Moderate party leader beaming in the crowd as Biden said: “Mr prime minister, welcome to Nato, the strongest military alliance the world has ever known.”Swedish tabloid Expressen wrote a round-up of how international media had responded to the development, citing US network NBC describing it as “the most significant expansion of the Western military alliance for decades”, and an editorial in Norwegian newspaper VG declaring that an “old dream of a Nordic defence union” had finally been fulfilled.Image caption, Stanislav Yordanov says his family is split on Nato membershipSweden’s membership application stalled because of opposition from Nato members Hungary and Turkey, who only recently reversed their positions.Turkey had initially withheld approval in a row over what it called Sweden’s support for Kurdish separatists, while Hungary accused Sweden of being hostile. Dr Aylott said the “long wait since Sweden’s application” had been a “source of much frustration” for Swedish politicians from across the spectrum. The lecturer added that “most of the political class is somewhere between mildly euphoric and just relieved” that the paperwork was complete. But there are still those who do not support Sweden’s Nato membership.The country’s Left party and the Green party remain are opposed. On Thursday, Left party lawmaker Håkan Svenneling appeared on Swedish public service television network SVT, saying there was now a risk of Sweden “being drawn into others’ wars and conflicts”.Kerstin Bergeå, Chair of the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society (Svenska freds), told the same network that state money would be better spent on “investments in diplomacy, in prevention, in addressing the causes of conflict so that wars do not need to break out”.Outside Stockholm central station, 21-year-old Stanislav Yordanov – who moved to Sweden from Bulgaria when he was nine – said his family was split on Nato membership. The car rental sales agent believed Sweden’s accession “is good”, while other relatives “think it will trigger some nasty reactions from other countries”. The official line from the government and the military is that there is a possibility of conflict, but since all Nato members are expected to help an ally which comes under attack, Sweden will now be better protected.Still, in January, two top defence officials warned that Swedes should mentally and logistically start preparing for war.Despite accusations of alarmism, the messaging appeared to have a limited impact on the public, with few signs of panic-buying in Swedish supermarkets.”My impression is that most ordinary people are far less engaged [than the political elite],” said Dr Aylott. “Despite attempts by politicians and the military’s top brass to sound warnings recently about the danger of conflict spreading, few Swedes really think that the country is under serious threat.”But Aylott suggested that joining Nato would have a small but noticeable visual impact, which could impact public discussions.He said there was already a public debate about where and when the Nato flag should be flown by public institutions, and increased military co-operation would likely result in an increased military presence in the region.”Nato countries’ warships have quite often docked in Swedish ports. Still, there will probably be more of that – more foreign soldiers on Swedish soil, more joint exercises,” he explained, “and it might be quite visible.”Related TopicsWar in UkraineSwedenNatoUnited StatesMore on this storySweden formally joins Nato military alliancePublished20 hours agoWhat is Nato and why is Sweden joining now?Published26 FebruarySwedish alarm after defence chiefs’ war warningPublished10 JanuaryTop StoriesArmy’s top IRA spy ‘cost more lives than he saved’Published1 hour agoChris Kaba murder charge police officer named for first timePublished3 hours agoTheresa May to stand down as MP at next electionPublished2 hours agoFeaturesWhy does International Women’s Day matter?Weekly quiz: Which billionaire hired Rihanna to celebrate a wedding?Singapore sting: How spies listened in on German generalMH370: The families haunted by one of aviation’s greatest mysteriesPride, pilgrims and parades: Africa’s top shotsWhy did the IRA not kill Stakeknife?’I’m really shy’ – The return of Gossip’s Beth DittoHow are the child benefit rules changing?The Iranian female DJs shaking the dance floorElsewhere on the BBCFind out this foxy family’s BBC favourites…They’ve got their eyes on the MasterChef trophyAttributioniPlayerA mother’s plea for justiceDiscover the gripping story of Annette Hewins as her daughter seeks the truthAttributionSoundsCan new evidence solve aviation’s greatest mystery?Ten years after the Malaysian Airlines flight disappeared, new technology may explain whyAttributioniPlayerFrom the Smiths to solo successJohnny Marr shares his musical milestones with Matt EverittAttributionSoundsMost Read1Army’s top IRA spy ‘cost more lives than he saved’2’Bearman already marked out as potentially a special one’AttributionSport3Plan to return Castaway island to its wild state4Constance Marten: I carried baby’s body in a bag5Police officer accused of Chris Kaba murder named6Rangers fan dies in Lisbon after Europa League match7Two charged after baby death at hospital8Multiple failings led to man’s death in knife rampage9’Sex predators within police operate in plain sight’10Theresa May to stand down as MP at next election](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/F100/production/_132869616_sweden_nato_bbc.jpg)
