Defense Minister Kalle Laanet also welcomed Finland and Sweden. According to him, the transport and maintenance of NATO troops in the Baltic Sea countries will become significantly easier.
TALLINN The NATO membership of Finland and Sweden has been confirmed in Estonia. The country’s parliament, the Riigikogu, therefore interrupted its summer break and convened in an extraordinary session.
– Fast confirmation of Finland’s and Sweden’s membership is very important to us. That’s why we convened Parliament, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said to in the parliament building on Toompea hill.
According to Kallas, the NATO membership of the northern neighbors undoubtedly strengthens Estonia’s security.
– NATO’s center will move further north and the Baltic Sea will become a NATO sea, Kallas stated.
He hoped that the other NATO countries would ratify Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO membership quickly.
The speaker was praised in Finnish
The Estonian parliament approved the NATO membership of Finland and Sweden without a single vote.
In the group discussions, Finland’s decision to join NATO was especially praised.
– Well done, MP from the center Jacob Aab declared in Finnish.
However, three MPs abstained from voting. 82 members of parliament were recorded as being present, but the ratification decision was made with a vote of 79-0.
Minister of Defense of Estonia Kalle Laanet estimates that the security of the entire Baltic Sea region will be strengthened with the accession of Finland and Sweden.
– NATO’s position on land, sea and air will improve significantly. In addition, NATO’s intelligence and cyber capability will be strengthened, Laanet said in his ministry’s press release.
He also praised the effect of Finland’s and Sweden’s membership on NATO’s defense plans.
– The equipping and maintenance of the NATO forces in the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea will become easier, stated Laanet.