Sweden has approved an agreement that will allow NATO troops to be placed in the country
On Wednesday, the Swedish Parliament voted in favor of the so-called Host Nation Support Agreement (HNSA). This agreement may allow NATO to deploy its forces to the country. This was reported by The Local.
Sweden signed the agreement with NATO in September 2014. The document allows the Alliance to transport helicopters, aircraft and ships through Swedish territory, but only at the invitation of Sweden.
Due to the fact the agreement calls for changes in Swedish law to allow NATO military privileges and immunities to tax and customs regulations, it had to be approved by Parliament. The agreement will be enforced on the 1st of July 2016.
The request of the Left Party to postpone the agreement was rejected by 291 votes to 21 votes. The party claimed that the deal posed a threat to the rights and freedoms of the Swedish constitution. At first, they were supported by the far right Sweden Democrats, but they later changed their opinion.