Russia-Ukraine Flash Report for 5-12-22 00:15 PDT - Finland to Apply For NATO Membership
Added 2022-05-12 07:19:56 +0000 UTCOffice of the President of the Republic of Finland
Prime Minister’s Office
Press release 30/2022
12 May 2022
During this spring, an important discussion on Finland’s possible NATO membership has taken place. Time has been needed to let Parliament and the whole society establish their stands on the matter. Time has been needed for close international contacts with NATO and its member countries, as well as with Sweden. We have wanted to give the discussion the space it required.
Now that the moment of decision-making is near, we state our equal views, also for information to the parliamentary groups and parties. NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance. Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay. We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days.
Sauli Niinistö
President of the Republic of Finland
Sanna Marin
Prime Minister of Finland
