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Finland to decide on NATO membership within weeks

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson

13 April 2022 16:52 (UTC +04:00)

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Wednesday that Finland will decide whether to apply for NATO membership "within weeks, not months.", APA reports citing Teletrader.

She made the remarks at a joint press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson , who said Sweden intends to apply in June.

"There are different perspectives to apply (for) Nato membership or not to apply and we have to analyze these very carefully. But I think our process will be quite fast, it will happen in weeks," Marin said. She added the relations between Sweden and Finland have become closer since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as both countries firmly opposed Russia's operation and reconsidered their neutral status.

Marin further explained the reason for their willingness to join the defence bloc as the 'only feasible security guarantee.' She believes that the common defence protection under NATO is their last best during the present dwindling security situation. "The difference between being a NATO partner and being a member is very clear and will remain so. There's no other way to have security guarantees than under NATO's deterrence and common defence as guaranteed by NATO's article five,” Finnish PM had said.

Significantly, during her address, the Finnish PM also emphasized that “NATO is not only a military alliance but also a political alliance.” “NATO is an organisation where important decisions concerning our security are taken. It is an important part of Europe's political and security architecture,” she added.

It was announced that both the nations will be taking their decisions independently, however, they will keep in mind how their decision can affect them and their neighbours. "Both Finland and Sweden independently make their decisions regarding security policy arrangements. But we do that with a clear understanding that our choices will affect not only ourselves, but our neighbours as well,” PM of Finland informed.

Finnish PM Sanna Marin stated that Finland is prepared for the ‘high threats’ from Russia for their decision on joining the defence bloc.