SSU Calls for Sweden to Exit NATO, Advocates for EU Defense Cooperation

The SSU pushes for Sweden to leave NATO and strengthen EU defense collaboration.

Key Points

  • • SSU officially calls for Sweden to exit NATO during a congress meeting.
  • • Chairperson Moska Hassas highlights lost trust in the US under Trump.
  • • Advocates for stronger defense cooperation within the EU instead of NATO.
  • • Reflects ongoing debates about Sweden's defense strategy.

The Social Democratic Youth League (SSU) has made headlines by officially advocating for Sweden to leave the NATO alliance, a resolution announced during their recent congress. This decision underscores a long-standing skepticism within the organization regarding reliance on the United States, particularly since the presidency of Donald Trump. Newly elected chairperson, Moska Hassas, articulated these views, stating, "SSU has had the right analysis from the beginning: it is no longer possible to rely on the USA when Donald Trump is in the White House," highlighting the diminished trust in US leadership.

Instead of NATO, the SSU proposes enhancing defense cooperation within the European Union. Hassas emphasized the necessity for Sweden and Europe to "stand strong as the world is shaking," signaling a potential pivot in Sweden’s defense policy amid ongoing global uncertainties. This stance reflects broader discussions in Swedish politics about the country's defense strategy and alliances, especially as perceptions of international security continue to shift. The call to exit NATO marks a significant political stance, particularly as the youth wing of the ruling Social Democratic Party aligns itself with more independent European defense mechanisms.