Finland's President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin have officially confirmed that the country will apply for NATO membership.
The leaders made the announcement at a news conference in Helsinki on Sunday, three days after they said in a statement that Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay.
Niinisto said, "This is a historic day." He added that being a member of the alliance will "maximize" Finland's security.
Marin expressed gratitude to NATO members and other nations for supporting Finland's move.
Finland shares a roughly 1,300-kilometer border with Russia. It has maintained military non-alignment.
The Finnish government released the draft of a report on NATO accession on Sunday. The report says, "Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a fundamental change has taken place in the security and operating environment of Finland and Europe."
The parliament will start discussions based on the report on Monday. A majority of lawmakers appear certain to approve the application.
Marin voiced her belief that the parliament will discuss the government's "historic" decision in a responsible manner.
She stressed that Finland hopes to apply with neighboring Sweden, which is also expected to decide on filing for NATO membership in the near future.
The leaders made the announcement at a news conference in Helsinki on Sunday, three days after they said in a statement that Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay.
Niinisto said, "This is a historic day." He added that being a member of the alliance will "maximize" Finland's security.
Marin expressed gratitude to NATO members and other nations for supporting Finland's move.
Finland shares a roughly 1,300-kilometer border with Russia. It has maintained military non-alignment.
The Finnish government released the draft of a report on NATO accession on Sunday. The report says, "Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a fundamental change has taken place in the security and operating environment of Finland and Europe."
The parliament will start discussions based on the report on Monday. A majority of lawmakers appear certain to approve the application.
Marin voiced her belief that the parliament will discuss the government's "historic" decision in a responsible manner.
She stressed that Finland hopes to apply with neighboring Sweden, which is also expected to decide on filing for NATO membership in the near future.
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Summary
Finland's President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced Finland's intention to apply for NATO membership, citing enhanced security following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The parliament is expected to discuss the decision starting Monday, with a majority likely in favor.
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ID: 62817d37-9440-4d64-b2af-247fc0a80b98
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220515_24/
Date: May 15, 2022
Created: 2022/05/16 07:22
Updated: 2025/12/09 16:22
Last Read: 2022/05/16 07:22