Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin have advocated urgent application for the country’s membership of NATO. This is said in a joint statement published on the websites of Finland’s President and Prime Minister. Finland is a member of the European Union, but not of military blocs, including NATO.

Niinistö and Marin believe NATO membership will boost Finland’s security and the country itself will strengthen the alliance, which is described in the statement as defensive. The country’s officials expressed hope that decisions would be taken internally to enable a quick application for NATO membership – « within the next few days ».

According to Finland’s President and Prime Minister, the authorities held off for a pause to allow the country’s parliament and society as a whole to work out their position on NATO membership. It also took time to consult with NATO and neighbouring Sweden, which is also considering joining the alliance.

source: reuters.com