Finnish Parliament Debates NATO Membership Decision

by Jeon Jinyoung

Published 20 Apr.2022 18:19(KST)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] On the 20th (local time), the Finnish Parliament will begin discussions on whether to apply for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Finland and its neighboring country Sweden have maintained a cooperative relationship without joining NATO, preserving their neutrality.

However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, public opinion has shifted favorably toward NATO membership, reigniting the issue of joining NATO.

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin stated that a decision on whether to apply for NATO membership will be made within the coming weeks.

Last week, the Finnish Parliament received a white paper on the government's foreign and security policies. Local media reported that the white paper also evaluates the impact of joining NATO.

The white paper mentioned that while Finland's deterrence effect would increase upon joining NATO, Finland would also have the obligation to assist other NATO member countries.

Russia has sent warning messages regarding these developments. On the 14th, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, warned that if Sweden and Finland join NATO, Russia would strengthen its defense measures, including deploying nuclear weapons in the Baltic Sea.