Foreign Minister Ann Linde signed Sweden’s historic application for NATO membership on Tuesday morning, according to Swedish media SVT and TV4.

“This is a big and serious thing as if we ‘landed’ on what we think is best for Sweden,” Linde said.

“We estimate that it will take about up to a year (the integration process ),” she continued.

Sweden’s application will now be submitted along with Finland’s application for NATO membership, the Swedish minister added.

“I hope NATO overcomes Turkey’s objections Finland and Sweden will receive strong support from member states”, EU High Representative Josep Borrell said at a meeting of the Council of Defence Ministers in Brussels. He noted that the two countries’ decision to apply for NATO membership increases unity and power and is the opposite of what Putin would like. Asked about Turkey’s reaction to Finland and Sweden’s decision Josep Borrell expressed hope that “NATO will overcome its (Turkey) objections”.