Maria Malmer Stenergard hosts meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs

“The fact that this meeting is taking place in Sweden shows how far we have already come in our role as an Ally. We have gone from standing alone to being part of something greater. We are not just members of NATO – we are NATO,” says Ms Malmer Stenergard.

On 21 May, Ms Malmer Stenergard will host an informal NATO–Ukraine Council dinner at Sofiero Palace, which will also be attended by Their Majesties The King and Queen, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha. On 22 May, Ms Malmer Stenergard will take part in the meeting between Allies that will be led by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

“I look forward to welcoming my colleagues to discuss important matters relating to how we can strengthen Europe’s responsibility for NATO’s collective deterrence and defence. I will be reiterating that our support to Ukraine, to address both its urgent and its long-term needs, must increase at the same time as we increase pressure on Russia. The meeting’s location – Helsingborg – is of strategic importance to NATO. This is the narrowest stretch of the Öresund strait, and vessels from the shadow fleet pass here on an almost daily basis. It’s also a beautiful place,” adds Ms Malmer Stenergard.

Press conference with Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard

Time: Friday 22 May 2026, 14.30
Venue: Accredited journalists can attend in person at the Media Centre for the NATO meeting at Kungsgatan 1, 252 21 Helsingborg.
Practical information: Entry permitted from 14.00. Attendance is subject to availability of space.

For more information and media appointments, please contact Press Officer Susan Vo Bergqvist. For contact details, see below.