30 NATO allies approved the Swedish and Finnish accession protocols on Tuesday and sent bids for both member states to their capitals for legislative approval.
This move invaded neighboring Ukraine in February, and the subsequent military struggle further strengthened Russia's strategic isolation.
"This is a truly historic moment for Finland, Sweden and NATO," said Alliance Secretary-General Jens Stortemberg.
Thirty ambassadors and permanent representatives NATO last week when the alliance made a historic decision to invite Russia's neighbor Finland and Scandinavian partner Sweden to a military club. Officially approved the summit decision.
Turkey can still cause problems
Despite the agreement of the alliance, parliamentary approval in member states Turkey will eventually be included as a member state. It can cause problems.
Last week, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan was an exiled priest who was accused of failing a 2016 coup in Turkey or an illegal Kurdish group.
He said the Turkish parliament could refuse to ratify the agreement. This is a powerful threat, as NATO accession must be formally approved by all 30 member states, and each is given deterrence.
Stoltenberg said he expected no change in his mind. "There were security concerns that needed to be addressed, and we did what we always do at NATO. We found something in common."
All allies Has various legislative challenges and procedures to address, and it can take a few more months for the two to become official members.
"We are looking forward to the rapid ratification process," said Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Habist. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has given the process even more urgency. It will involve both countries in the Western military alliance and have more influence on NATO, especially in the face of Moscow's military threat.
"As we face the biggest security crisis in decades, we get stronger and people get safer," Stoltenberg said.
Tuesday's approval has already pulled both countries deep into NATO's folding. As intimate partners, they have already attended several meetings, including issues that immediately affect them. As official invitees, they can attend all meetings of the ambassador, even if they do not yet have the right to vote.
