Finland and Sweden are about to end decades of neutrality by joining NATO, a dramatic evolution in European security and geopolitics sparked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The two Nordic nations had long kept the military alliance at bay, even as they watched Russia cautiously to the east.
But Moscow’s attack on Ukraine has sparked renewed security concerns across the region, and each country’s leaders have expressed their desire to join the bloc after more than 75 years of military non-alignment.
What has happened so far? Finland’s leaders made their intentions to join NATO on Thursday, formally presenting that wish at a press conference on Sunday.
In Sweden, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson announced during a press conference on Sunday that her party is supporting the country in applying to join NATO.
The move must be approved by a vote in parliament in each country, but given the support of the governing governments, that hurdle is expected to be easily overcome.
What comes next? NATO has a so-called “open door policy” for new members — any European country can apply to join, as long as it meets certain criteria and all existing members agree.
A country doesn’t technically “ask” to join; Article 10 of the founding treaty states that, once a nation has expressed interest, existing member states may “unanimously invite any other European state capable of promoting the principles of this treaty to accede.”
NATO diplomats told Reuters that ratification of new members could take up to a year as the legislature must approve all 30 current members of the legislature.
Both Finland and Sweden already fulfill many of the membership requirements, including a functioning democratic political system based on a market economy; treating minority populations fairly; work to resolve conflicts peacefully; the ability and willingness to make a military contribution to NATO operations; and to promote democratic civil-military relations and institutions.
The process may not be without hurdles; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday he is not looking at either country joining NATO “positively”, accusing them of harboring Kurdish “terrorist organizations”.
In the meantime, both countries will have to rely on their current allies and partners for security guarantees, rather than Article 5 — the clause stating that an attack on one NATO country is an attack on all, and requiring a collective response in that case. provoked event.
Sweden and Finland have been assured of support from the United States and Germany if they are attacked, while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed mutual security agreements with his Finnish and Swedish counterparts last week.
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