Erik Brattberg
As a direct consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden, two traditionally militarily non-aligned Nordic countries, now appear to be racing towards NATO membership with cool-headed but determined steps. Already strong NATO partners with close ties to the United States, joint Finnish and Swedish NATO membership would nevertheless be a big deal for the alliance at a pivotal moment for European security.
While the debate in Finland has come farther with signs that Helsinki may seek to apply as early as May, prospects that Sweden could follow suit were raised during recent talks in Stockholm between Swedish prime minister Magdalena Andersson and her Finnish counterpart, Sanna Marin. Next month, Finnish president Sauli Niinistö is slated to make a state visit to Sweden to discuss the “changing security policy situation.” His trip could overlap with the release of the Swedish government’s forthcoming analysis of NATO membership which will follow the publication of a Finnish white paper that examines the same issue. Opinion polls in both countries show surging support for membership—with a recent Swedish survey showing a record-high 57 percent of Swedes in favor.
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