Finland wants to become a NATO member state and will request membership, as confirmed by Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Sunday, 15 May.
The Finnish parliament now needs to approve this step, but it is expected the majority will support joining the alliance. Debates regarding the country’s joining of NATO are scheduled to take place in the parliament on 16 May.
Finland’s ruling Social Democratic Party had already voiced support in favour of the country joining NATO earlier last Saturday.
«The president and the government’s foreign policy committee have agreed that after consulting parliament, Finland will apply for NATO membership. A new era is opening,» announced Niinistö.
«In cooperation with the government and the president today we have made an important decision. We hope the parliament will approve the decision to apply for membership in NATO in the coming days,» said Marin.
Finland, which has a 1 300 km long border with Russia, has not been part of military alliances for 75 years. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February has dramatically changed the situation and public support in favour of joining NATO has increased rapidly. The mood in Sweden is similar, which may decide on applying for NATO membership soon.
On Sunday, 15 May, Sweden’s ruling Social Democratic Party also decided to approve the country’s course to joining NATO.
Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the party was against Sweden joining NATO.
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The change of official position is an enormous step for the party and the state.