A few hours before Finland’s formal request for NATO membership, a strategic agreement was signed with the United Kingdom. The same with Sweden.
The handshake of Boris Johnson with Magdalena Anderson and Saulie Niinisto does not specify another agreement. They mark the beginning of the end of the military neutrality of the two Nordic countries.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put all countries around the world on military alert, let alone those bordering them, such as Finland. That is why the news of the UK’s bilateral security agreements with Sweden and Finland did not come as a thunderbolt.
“Long-term defense cooperation”
Today, major British newspapers headline the news with headlines such as “British troops will protect Scandinavia from Putin”. Just yesterday, Wednesday, Boris Johnson visited first Sweden and then Finland and became the first Western leader to enter into such strategic agreements with the two countries.
In fact, among other things, he characteristically stated that “these agreements are not a short-term transitional stage before the accession of these countries to NATO, but a long-term mutual defense cooperation”.
But whether he wanted to or not, he created a smooth transitional stage in this direction. Today, in a historic move, Finland formally submitted its application for NATO membership, with the Finnish president stating yesterday that he “particularly appreciates the strong support of the United Kingdom”.
The content of military agreements
The agreements ensure the mutual support of the countries in case of military or any other threat, the strengthening of the exchange of information and the intensification of joint military exercises. Johnson even offered to send more British troops to the Scandinavian territories, both in the Army and in the Air Force and Navy.
Russian aggression, however, has not caused a stir as it only shows the leaders of the countries. It is worth noting that there is a big change in the attitude of the Scandinavians towards the accession of their countries to NATO. The percentage of Finns who are in favor reaches 76%, after years that ranged from 20% – 25%, while in Sweden there is an increasing trend and now 57% of Swedes want to join the military alliance.
The statement to the Telegraph of Pekka Toveri, former head of intelligence of the Finnish army, is also interesting. “We just want to stay in peace, but if anyone dares to cross the border, they will pay dearly.”
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Anderson, in a joint press conference with her British counterpart, stressed that “Sweden and Britain together will face this new reality.”
It is noted that the defense agreements with Sweden and Finland are not legally binding but serve as a formal political statement by the United Kingdom that it will assist when requested.
Zoe Katzagiannaki, London
Source: Deutsche Welle
Source: Capital
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