Sweden’s NATO membership awaited by Finnish authorities

Helsinki, March 31 – Finnish President and Prime Minister Sauli Niinisto and Sanna Marin said they are waiting for Sweden to join NATO.

The last of the 30 NATO countries – Turkey – ratified on Friday evening the protocol of Finland’s membership in the alliance.

“All 30 NATO members have ratified Finland’s membership. I would like to thank each of them for their trust and support. Finland will be a strong and capable ally committed to the security of the Alliance. Finland is now ready to join NATO. We look forward to welcoming Sweden, who will join us as soon as possible” Niinisto tweeted.

“Finland’s application has already been ratified by all member states and Finland will become a member of NATO. Thanks to all countries for their support during the process. As allies, we receive and provide security. We protect each other. Finland now and in the future supports Sweden and supports the country’s membership application Marin also tweeted.

Finland and Sweden, against the backdrop of Russia’s own military operation in Ukraine, have moved away from many years of military neutrality, and on May 17, 2022, they applied to NATO. As of the beginning of 2023, 28 of the 30 NATO countries have approved both requests. However, Hungary and Turkey have expressed their desire to consider the Swedish request separately from the Finnish one.