The agreement gives the US military the right to use 17 military bases in different parts of Sweden.
In Sweden, after a long discussion, the Swedish Parliament approved the DCA agreement on defense cooperation between Sweden and the United States on Tuesday evening. The agreement was approved with 266 votes in favor and 37 against.
The agreement gives the US military the right to use 17 military bases across the country. The United States can station military personnel and materiel there and conduct exercises there.
Sweden concluded the agreement at the end of last year, but it was discussed by the Diet on Tuesday.
– It provides better conditions for Sweden to receive support from the United States in the event of a crisis or war, said the Minister of Defense Paul Jonson.
It is not yet known exactly when the United States may begin bringing personnel and material to Swedish military bases.
There was broad support behind the agreement in the Parliament, but the left and the greens were wary of it. The parties have criticized the fact that the agreement lacks an entry limiting nuclear weapons.
Sweden’s centre-right government has emphasized that the agreement is based on Sweden’s consent. According to the government, the agreement improves NATO’s ability to defend the Baltics and Finland.
Sources: TT, AFP