Sweden and Finland to Submit NATO Membership Applications Simultaneously Next Month

Published 26 Apr.2022 09:48(KST)

"Application Submission Expected in the Third Week of May"

Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson (left) and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Sweden and Finland are expected to simultaneously apply for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as early as mid-next month.

On the 25th (local time), The Guardian, citing the Finnish daily Iltalehti, reported, "The Swedish government proposed to Finland on the same day to apply for NATO membership simultaneously, and the Finnish government agreed." The Swedish daily Expressen, quoting government sources, confirmed the report was accurate.

Earlier this month, the prime ministers of Sweden and Finland held a joint press conference, stating that the security landscape in Europe is changing due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and they are considering NATO membership. The Russian government warned that "if the two countries join NATO, it will inevitably strengthen nuclear armament in the Baltic Sea and balance military power."

Last week, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde said, "The extensive security policy review will be completed by the 13th of this month, not the originally planned May 31," adding, "There is a lot of pressure after Finland's analysis was already published."

Swedish media reported, "The simultaneous membership applications of the two countries could be submitted in the third week of May," noting that "this coincides with Finnish President Sauli Niinist?'s visit to Stockholm, Sweden."

According to recent polls, 68% of Finnish citizens support NATO membership, more than double the level before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Opposition stands at only 12%. In Swedish polls, support for NATO membership slightly exceeds opposition.

The Guardian explained, "Both Sweden and Finland are militarily non-aligned countries, but after joining the European Union (EU) in 1995, they moved away from strict neutrality," adding, "They became NATO partner countries by participating in training and exchanging intelligence."