U.S.-Swedish signing: U.S. military has unhindered access to 17 military bases in Sweden
Washington, December 1, 2023
The United States and Sweden signed a historic military cooperation agreement in Washington on Wednesday, allowing U.S. troops to operate at 17 military bases inside Sweden in response to the growing influence of Russia and China in northern Europe and the Arctic.
The agreement was announced at a joint press conference at the White House by U.S. President Joe Biden and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Loven, which both said was a manifestation of the "closest military partnership" between the two countries and an important step in "maintaining peace and security in Europe and the North Atlantic region."
Under the agreement, U.S. military personnel will have "unhindered" access to the sites to "pre-deploy equipment, supplies and supplies" and have "exclusive use" of some areas of the base where development and "construction activities" can be conducted. These locations include Sweden's air bases, naval bases, army bases, and joint command centers, which are spread across the southern, central, and northern parts of Sweden.
The agreement also provides that U.S. forces may conduct "joint training, Xi and operations" in Sweden and enjoy "diplomatic and judicial immunity," i.e., not subject to Swedish law. In addition, the US military has access to Sweden's airspace, territorial waters and territory, as well as Sweden's communications systems and other infrastructure.
President Biden said at a news conference that the agreement is "a symbol of long-standing friendship and trust between the United States and Sweden" and "a reflection of the strategic importance we attach to Northern Europe and the Arctic." He said the United States and Sweden share common interests and values in many areas, including democracy, human rights, free trade and multilateralism, as well as addressing global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity and nuclear nonproliferation.
President Biden also said the agreement was to "respond to the destabilizing behavior and threats of Russia and China in the region" and stressed that the United States would "firmly support Sweden's sovereignty and territorial integrity," as well as "NATO's collective defense principles." He said the United States and Sweden will continue to strengthen cooperation with other Nordic countries and NATO allies to "preserve European unity and unity."
Swedish Prime Minister Lovvin said at a news conference that the agreement was "a milestone in Sweden's defense policy" and "a historic decision between Sweden and the United States." He said that although Sweden is not a member of NATO, it "attaches great importance" to cooperation with NATO, especially with the United States. He said Sweden "has a responsibility" to contribute to the security of Europe and the North Atlantic region, especially in the Nordic and Arctic regions, which are "our neighbors and our homeland."
Prime Minister Loveven also said the agreement was "based on reciprocity and respect" and was in line with Sweden's national interests as well as Sweden's international obligations. He said that Sweden will continue to abide by the Charter of the United Nations and international law, as well as Sweden's policy of neutrality and non-alignment. He said Sweden would "maintain full control over its own defence and security" and "guarantee the Swedish people's right to know and to participate."
The agreement will come into force on January 1, 2024, and will be valid for 10 years, after which it can be automatically renewed, unless either party proposes to terminate it. The agreement still needs to be approved by the Swedish parliament and is expected to be voted on next spring. According to Swedish media reports, the agreement has caused mixed repercussions in Swedish politics and public opinion, with some welcoming U.S. military support, others fearing that Sweden's sovereignty and neutrality will be undermined, and others questioning the credibility and motives of the United States.