The Finnish government has decided to apply for NATO membership. This was announced by President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin. “This is a historic day. A new era is dawning,” Niinistö said.
Parliament has yet to consider the decision. After that, the application is official. However, this appears to be a formality: Parliament is also expected to approve the application.
On Thursday, Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin gave their approval. “NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security,” the president and prime minister said in a joint statement on Thursday.
Finland has long been against joining NATO, but that has changed with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Due to the war, both in politics and among the population, there are more voices for a membership application. Finland shares a border of about 1,300 kilometers with Russia.
Sweden is also thinking about accession
Although Finland is not a member of NATO, since 2014 it has been working more closely with the American-led alliance. In that year, Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine.
Neighboring Sweden is also considering joining NATO. The two countries can join quickly and without any problems, according to NATO boss Jens Stoltenberg.
Russia sees NATO expansion as a threat to its own security and has warned Finland and Sweden of “serious military and political consequences”.