Finnish and Swedish media reported that the two countries would apply to join NATO in May. Finland’s Iltalehti and Sweden’s Expressen newspapers gave the news based on sources close to the subject.
Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, northern European countries have not considered joining NATO, although they have strengthened their military alliances. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted Sweden and Finland to consider whether their long-standing military neutrality is the best option for their national security.
According to the Iltalehti newspaper, the leaders of Finland and Sweden are considering meeting on the week of May 16 to publicly announce their plans to join the alliance.
Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto declined to comment on the matter, but said she would prefer Finland and Sweden to take similar decisions.
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, on the other hand, told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson two weeks ago that she expected Finland to make its decision on the issue within a few weeks.
The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet been reached to make a statement on the matter.
Stockholm is officially assessing its security policies and possible NATO membership. The result of the assessment is expected in mid-May.
Independently of this, Swedish Social Democrats are also considering NATO membership, which they have long opposed. This evaluation is expected to be concluded by May 24 at the latest.