Finland’s NATO accession process would be smooth and fast, says Stoltenberg

Finland’s NATO membership would strengthen both the Western military alliance and Finland, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.

“If Finland decides to apply, they will be warmly welcomed to NATO, and the accession process will be smooth and quick,” Stoltenberg said after Finland announced it would apply to join NATO “without delay”.

“Finland is one of NATO’s closest partners, a mature democracy, a member of the European Union and an important contributor to Euro-Atlantic security.”

War changed scenario

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden have been considering the possibility of applying to join the alliance, which would mark an important political shift for the Nordic region.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin said in a joint statement that they hope that “the national measures still needed to make this decision will be taken quickly within the next few days”.

In Sweden, parliament is conducting a security policy review, including the pros and cons of joining the alliance, with results expected on Friday. There is already a majority in parliament in support of NATO membership.

At the same time, the ruling Social Democrat party will decide on Sunday whether to abandon long-standing opposition to NATO membership.

If Finland tries, Sweden is likely to do the same, as it would not want to be the only Nordic country outside the alliance. Other Nordic countries – Norway, Denmark and Iceland – joined the pact as founding members.

Several recent polls suggest a majority of Swedes in favor — something never seen before the invasion of Russia.

Finland and Sweden would like to have some assurances that NATO member countries will defend them while any application is processed and until they become full members.

Ratification could take a year, NATO diplomats say, as the parliaments of all 30 member countries must approve new members.