- The application is submitted to NATO Headquarters
- Move seen redrawing of geopolitical map of Europe
- Unbound for decades, the war in Ukraine has caused political turmoil
- Countries seeking to resolve Turkish objections to NATO bids
BRUSSELS, May 18 (Reuters) – Finland and Sweden formally applied to join NATO on Wednesday at Allied headquarters, a decision sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but face objections from Turkey’s expected accession process. to take only a few weeks.
Neutral during the Cold War, Sweden’s and Finland’s decision to join NATO is one of the most significant changes in Europe’s security architecture in decades, reflecting a major shift in public opinion in the Northern region since Russia’s invasion on February 24.
“This is a historic moment that we must seize,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a brief ceremony at which the Swedish and Finnish ambassadors to the alliance presented their application letters, each in a white folder with a raised national flag. .
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“I warmly welcome the requests of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. “You are our closest partners and your membership in NATO will increase our common security,” Stoltenberg said. The Alliance believes that the accession of Finland and Sweden will significantly strengthen it in the Baltic Sea.
With the official applications, the Scandinavian countries and their many supporters are now facing uncertain months in which any opposition to their candidacies must be overcome, and all 30 NATO members must approve the enlargement.
Ratification by all union parliaments could take up to a year, diplomats say.
Turkey has surprised its allies in recent days by saying it has reservations about Finland and Sweden’s membership, saying the two countries are sheltering members of groups it considers terrorists, and attacking the arms embargo. after the invasion of Syria in 2019.
Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that he believes the problems can be solved.
“We are determined to work on all issues and reach quick conclusions,” Stoltenberg said, noting the strong support from all other allies.
In an effort to continue the membership process, Sweden’s defense minister has already headed to Washington and will be followed by Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Anderson and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto later this week. Read more
The parties hope that swift ratification by the United States, the alliance’s leading force, will help pave the way for membership, with the White House saying it is confident that all obstacles can be overcome. Read more
The decision to seek a place under NATO’s umbrella was a failure for Moscow, as the war in Ukraine triggered the very kind of expansion of the alliance along Russia’s borders, which it took up arms to prevent.
So far, Moscow’s response has been unexpectedly muffled, having previously warned of “military-technical” steps and that it could deploy nuclear weapons in its European exclave in Kaliningrad if the countries join.
President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Sweden’s and Finland’s NATO membership did not pose a threat to Russia, but warned that Moscow would respond if the Western alliance strengthened its military infrastructure in the new Scandinavian members. Read more
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Report by Robin Emot, Marine Strauss; writing by Robin Emmott and Niklas Pollard; edited by David Evans
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