STOCKHOLM — In a significant recognition of their contributions to European security, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg are set to receive knighthoods in Sweden. This honor is attributed to their pivotal roles in facilitating Sweden’s entry into NATO, an event that marks a momentous shift in the continent’s security dynamics following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In addition to Blinken and Stoltenberg, the honor will also be bestowed upon former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and former Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto. All four will be awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star, which is conferred upon foreign nationals and stateless individuals for their significant contributions to Swedish interests.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his appreciation on Tuesday, stating, “The awards are an expression of our great gratitude for the efforts of these people in connection with Sweden’s membership in NATO.”

Sweden’s decision to join NATO came almost a year after Finland took the same step, marking the end of long-standing policies of neutrality that both nations upheld since World War II, as well as centuries of non-alignment with dominant global powers.