BRUSSELS — The Finnish prime minister and president on Thursday expressed their support for the nation to apply to join NATO.
President Sauli Niinisto, who is largely responsible for Finland’s foreign policy, has helped Finland move away from a long history of military non-alignment prompted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
“Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay,” they said. “We hope that the national steps that are still necessary to make this decision will be taken quickly in the coming days.”
The announcement was widely expected. Public opinion in Finland has changed significantly in favor of joining NATO, from about 20 percent before six months ago to almost 80 percent now, especially if Sweden, Finland’s strategic partner and also militarily non-aligned, joins as well.
The debate in Sweden is less advanced than in Finland, but Sweden too is on track to apply with Finland to join NATO, perhaps as early as next week.
In their statement, Prime Minister Niinisto and Sanna Marin said they agreed that “NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security”.
They added that “as a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance.”
The political parties in parliament will now define their own positions, with a parliamentary debate and vote expected on Monday.