Finland’s parliament today began debating the country’s accession to NATO to better protect itself from possible Russian aggression, according to Agence France-Presse, which said a proposal to join was “very likely”.
Despite recent statements by Moscow that it will deploy nuclear weapons in the Baltics if Finland or neighboring Sweden join the US-led Western military alliance, Helsinki intends to make a quick decision. Last week, Prime Minister Sana Marin (pictured) said she thought the decision would be made “within weeks”.
Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there were disagreements in the Finnish parliament over NATO membership. However, there is now a clear majority among the 200 members of parliament in favor of joining the vote, which could take place before the summer. According to Finnish media, one hundred deputies have already decided to support this policy, and only 12 – against. Others are waiting for the debate to express their position, according to BTA.
The new “white paper” presented by the government to members of parliament last week does not express an official position, but emphasizes that only NATO membership allows the protection of the well-known Article 5 on collective defense.
Sweden is closely following Finland’s decision. The Scandinavian country, which has not fought in two centuries, is also considering joining the alliance, according to AFP.