Who is joining NATO next?

Who’s Next in Line for NATO Membership?

While NATO continues to evolve in a changing geopolitical landscape, recent expansions highlight the growing desire among European nations to join the alliance for collective security. Finland officially became a NATO member in April 2023, ending decades of military non-alignment. Its neighbor Sweden followed in March 2024, marking a historic shift prompted by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and heightened regional tensions.

Ukraine, which formally applied for membership in September 2022 after Russia's illegal annexation of parts of its southeastern territory, remains a key aspirant. Despite strong public support and government efforts, its path to membership remains complex and politically charged, with discussions ongoing within the alliance about timing and conditions.

Beyond Ukraine, other nations have also expressed clear interest in joining. Bosnia and Herzegovina has been engaged in partnership programs with NATO and has declared its intent to pursue full membership, although internal political challenges slow progress. Similarly, Georgia, which has long sought closer ties with the West, continues to push for accession, driven by its own history of Russian military incursions.

Kosovo, too, has voiced its aspirations to join the alliance, though its path is complicated by ongoing disputes with neighboring Serbia and the fact that not all NATO members recognize its independence.

As security concerns persist across Eastern and Southeastern Europe, NATO’s door remains open—but the journey to membership is shaped as much by political readiness and regional stability as by formal applications. For now, the alliance balances expansion with cohesion, supporting aspirant countries while navigating a complex strategic environment.