Sweden has strengthened its collaboration with NATO and moved to bolster its military defenses after signing a military cooperation agreement with Poland, citing perceived Russian aggression in the Baltic Sea.
The agreement is one of two “strategic decisions” announced by Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist, who revealed that along with a boost in military cooperation with NATO members like Poland, the country would increase defense spending by 11 percent over the next five years.
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Earlier this year Sweden joined forces with Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland to announce more plans for military cooperation in the Baltic Sea and Scandinavia in what officials said was “a direct response to aggressive Russian behavior,” while Sweden’s security service Säpo accused Russia of being the country’s biggest intelligence threat in 2014.
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Sweden is not a NATO member but cooperates in security exercises with the military alliance as a partner country.
Scaremongering Concerns
The announcement of Sweden’s military cooperation with Poland comes amid an increase in action between Sweden and NATO members, fueling speculation the country may be considering stepping up its relationship with the alliance.
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This also followed comments from outgoing Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sverker Göranson, who said that Sweden would only have the defense capability to protect itself for one month if it were attacked.
Full article: Sweden Edges Closer to NATO With Polish Military Agreement (Sputnik News)
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