NATO enlargement: Sweden and Finland
NATO has invited Sweden and Finland to join the Alliance. This paper looks at the process for joining NATO and the expansion of the Alliance since its creation in 1949, and how Russia views NATO enlargement.

NATO has invited Sweden and Finland to join the Alliance. This paper looks at the process for joining NATO and the expansion of the Alliance since its creation in 1949, and how Russia views NATO enlargement.
This briefing looks at the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. What it does, questions over whether it breaks international law, why the Government is introducing the Bill, and the reaction to it including from the EU and political parties in Northern Ireland.
This briefing places the UK Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative in the wider issue of conflict-related sexual violence and covers its performance
Research Briefing
NATO holds its next summit in Madrid in June 2022. This page explains what's on the agenda and where to find more information from the Commons Library.
Research Briefing
Commonwealth leaders will meet in Rwanda from 20 to 25 June 2022. Discussion may include global health, Rwanda's human rights record and the position of the Secretary General.
Research Briefing
NATO Leaders are expected to adopt a new Strategic Concept at a summit in Madrid on 28-30 June 2022. A statement of NATO's values and purpose, what is the new Concept expected to say in light of Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine?
Research Briefing
This briefing paper provides an overview of the work of the Council of Europe and also covers the recent expulsion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022
Research Briefing
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons entered into force in January 2021. It is the first multilateral, legally binding, instrument for nuclear disarmament to have been negotiated in 20 years. However, the nuclear weapon states have not signed and ratified the new treaty, and as such, are not legally bound by its provisions. The lack of engagement by the nuclear weapon states subsequently raises the question of what this treaty can realistically achieve.
Debate Pack
A Westminster Hall debate on the work of the Council of Europe is scheduled for Wednesday 15 June 2022, from 9:30am to 11:00am. The debate will be led by John Howell MP.
Research Briefing
This page features Commons Library publications relevant to the current crisis in Ukraine.
Research Briefing
This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements, urgent questions and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.
Research Briefing
This briefing paper provides an overview of recent political developments in Cyprus, providing background on the division of the island and discussing recent peace talks and wider tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean
Research Briefing
The WHO is negotiating a treaty on pandemic preparedness. The briefing outlines what has been proposed, where negotiations are up to, and what comes next.
Research Briefing
This paper summarises UK defence expenditure (current, historic and planned), international comparisons of defence expenditure of NATO allies, and the financial cost of UK military operations.
Research Briefing
This paper provides a timeline of the major events in the Ukraine-Russia crisis since Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014.
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