Sweden and Finland seek security
On 18 May, Sweden and Finland officially applied to join NATO, a decision that could have a big impact on relations between countries in Europe.
What is NATO?
NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) is a group of countries who agree to defend each other against attacks. It was set up in 1949 by 12 countries who were worried about the threat of the Soviet Union (a former country made up of Russia and its neighbours). The number of NATO members has since risen to 30. They include Canada, the UK, the US and many European countries. The enlargement of NATO has caused tensions with Russia for more than 20 years.
Why do the two countries want to join now?
Sweden and Finland both have a long history of being neutral (not supporting either side in a war). They have also been worried that joining NATO might anger Russia. However, their position has changed because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since the war began in February, public support for joining NATO has tripled in Finland to about 75% and increased in Sweden to about 55%.
The leaders of both countries said that being in NATO would make them safer. Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö said, “A protected Finland is being born”, adding “we gain security, and we also share it”. Shortly afterwards, Sweden’s Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said she believed that joining the alliance was “the best thing for the security of Sweden and the Swedish people”.
How has NATO reacted?
The news has been welcomed by NATO’s leadership. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s Secretary-General (the highest position in the organisation) accepted the two countries’ applications and described them as
“a historic step”. He said they would be dealt with as quickly as possible. The two countries joining will more than double NATO’s border with Russia. This could make it easier to protect and defend the small countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – NATO members that are very close to Russia.
Some member countries, including the UK, have promised to protect Sweden and Finland during their “transition period” – the time between applying to join NATO and becoming an official member. However, Turkey has threatened to block Sweden and Finland from joining, because it says the two countries have helped groups that Turkey views as terrorists. For any new country to join, it must have the support of all NATO members. Other member countries say they are confident that Turkey’s objections can be overcome.
How has Russia reacted?
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has spoken out against NATO expansion in the past. He said that one of his reasons for invading Ukraine was because it wanted to join the alliance. Russia has previously warned Sweden and Finland not to join NATO. However, after the two countries made their announcements, Putin responded by saying that the decision “does not pose a direct threat to Russia”.