Finland’s NATO option was not a buzzword. The Europe Letter covers key EU issues every Friday. Subscribe to the full letter in your email.
Rikhard Husu,
Janne Toivonen
This is to be exclaimed at the end of the week, even though the adjective has already worn off in heavy news use. Who would have guessed six months ago that Finland would submit an application for membership to NATO in mid-May?
The speed showed that the much-talked-about NATO option in Finland was more than a buzzword. As the attitudes of citizens and policy makers towards the Defense Alliance changed, it was possible to react with the necessary speed.
It was obvious that Finland’s changed NATO position overnight also had an impact on the debate in Sweden. In Sweden, many wanted more time for the NATO debate.
– Why do you think this is the way to go? Swedish MEP from the Left Group in the European Parliament Malin Björk inquired the Foreign Minister From Pekka Haavisto (green) last week.
FIRST however, the milestone was reached at the same pace as Finland and Sweden submitted their applications for membership to Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at NATO Headquarters. The pictures, in which the Finnish and Swedish ambassadors walk one foot to the headquarters, are eloquent.
However, there is no question of a holiday, the Swedish ambassador to NATO Axel Wernhoff stated when I interviewed him after submitting the application. This is a significant and serious moment, Wernhoff said.
A few governments have already had time to give the green light to Finland’s application.
Above Tweets Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, whose government was among the first, as were Estonia and Germany. Of course, membership will still be ratified separately in the Czech Republic.
PROCESS however, it is overshadowed by Turkey’s threat of blocking applications from Finland and Sweden. At the time of writing, Turkey has not given the green light to start membership talks with Finland and Sweden. A diplomatic solution is being feverishly sought.
The protracted process would not look good from a Defense Alliance perspective. Secretary – General Jens Stoltenberg has emphasized on several occasions that Finland and Sweden meet NATO criteria and that the countries would be welcomed into NATO with open arms.
Turkey’s demands also divert attention from preparations for the NATO summit in Madrid. In Madrid, NATO countries are due to decide on a strategic program to meet the challenges of the coming years. This is not the first time that Turkey has hardened its NATO partners.
The importance of a prosperous but strategically important country is widely recognized among the Allies.
If – and when – Finland and Sweden become members of NATO, we must also learn to live and work with Turkey.
The rest of the letter has been compiled by ‘s EU special editor Janne Toivonen.
Coming soon: The hot phase of the climate package
Busy late spring continues. The Commission is still seeking a solution to the stalemate in sanctions against Russia, and the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine call for weekly action.
Parliament and Council rushed over the climate package. Weeks ahead are rushing weeks, with both aiming to nail their positions to as many as 12 bills by the end of June so final negotiations can take place in the fall. There are rumors in the MEPs’ circle that the meeting facilities have been on the card as well, when the climate positions have been coordinated in a hurry.
On Monday the eurogroup and finance ministers will meet on tuesday. These include the Commission’s spring economic forecast, which is expected to slow down economic growth. However, employment looks best for years to come.
In Denmark preparations are under way for a referendum on 1 June to decide whether the country will join the EU’s common foreign and security policy.
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