Sweden and Finland have taken a step closer to formalizing their membership in NATO. The adhesion protocol was signed by both countries in Brussels, the headquarters of NATO. Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO; Pekka Haavisto, Minister of Foreign Affairs from Finland; and Ann Linde, Swedish Foreign Minister.
“Today is an important day for Finland, Sweden, and NATO. We will be stronger and our population safer when we face the greatest security crisis in decades.” Stoltenberg stated that 32 countries are now at the table. He also said about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, “It’s truly a historic moment” for Finland. For Sweden, NATO and our shared security. The ratification process begins with the formal signing of the protocols. NATO remains open to European democracies who are willing and able to contribute to our common security.
This signing takes place a week after Turkey lifted its veto on entry to the Alliance. Ankara demanded that Kurdish PKK leaders be extradited to Sweden or Finland in return for a number of commitments including cooperation in antiterrorist issues, weapons sales, and Ankara’s demand for Ankara’s demands that Kurdish PKK leaders, which Turkey considers terrorist, be sold weapons.
The only remaining step is for the Alliance’s 30 member countries to ratify their accession to the new partners in the parliaments.
