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Sweden Officially Joins NATO Military Alliance. On March 7, Sweden officially joined NATO, ending centuries of neutrality. CNBC reports that after almost two years since first applying, Sweden has become the military alliance's 32nd member. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed the news, saying that Sweden was “taking its rightful place at our table”. "Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer, and the whole Alliance more secure. I look forward to raising their flag at NATO HQ on Monday." Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, via CNBC. Earlier this week, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited Washington to deliver the final documents. CNBC reports that Sweden's previous policy of neutrality dates back to the Napoleonic wars. In order to join the military alliance, all existing members must approve any new members, which ultimately delayed the process of Sweden's accession. Both Hungary and Turkey opposed Sweden's bid to join the alliance, citing varying reasons for delaying their approval. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the country opposed Sweden joining NATO based on its criticism of the state of democracy in Hungary. Turkey opposed Sweden's bid based on claims that the country was too tolerant of groups viewed as security threats to the Turkish government. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT