After signing the application, the Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Linde stated that it was an important and solemn event. The document will be sent to the Swedish Ambassador to NATO, who will present it to the Alliance’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, in the coming days.
Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Linde signs the country’s application for NATO membership on 17 May 2022.
Photo: AFP, HENRIK MONTGOMERY
–
–
A majority in the Finnish parliament supported the government’s decision to apply for NATO membership. This was after a 14-hour debate.
Finland is expected to sign its application on Tuesday.
The two Nordic countries intend to submit their applications at the same time.
Finnish President Sauli Niniste is visiting Stockholm on Tuesday to discuss the two countries’ progress towards NATO.
The President of Finland Sauli Nīniste pays a visit to Sweden, 17.05.2022.
Photo: EPA, Anders Wiklund
–
–
CONTEXT:
Finland and Sweden have long refrained from joining the alliance, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has radically changed the security situation in Europe, and support for NATO membership has skyrocketed among politicians and the public in both countries.
Before the start of the war against Ukraine, Putin demanded that NATO stop expanding and withdraw its forces from Russia’s borders. But Putin’s expected effect fell short. With the accession of Finland, the length of the Russian-NATO border will more than double.
–
Highlight text and press Ctrl+Enterto send the snippet to the editor!
Highlight text and press Report an error buttons to send the text to be edited!
–
–
