Since the start of the war in Ukraine, speculation has been rife about the possible accession of Sweden and especially Finland to NATO. In the latter country, the government made public this Wednesday, April 13 a report on the new security situation in Europe, which will serve as a basis for discussion by Finnish MPs.
With our regional correspondent, Frederic False
The report made public on Tuesday by the Finnish government is presented as an inventory. It does not imply any decision for the moment, insists Helsinki. But for Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, the war in Ukraine and the new face presented by Russia make it necessary to have this debate on NATO.
” First, Russia is ready to take more risks than before, as this attack on Ukraine has shown. Then she showed herself capable of concentrating more than 100,000 men against a country “, develops the minister. Without forgetting the new risks that could arise in the future: What if we were faced with a conflict where tactical nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, were used… »
This publication therefore constitutes the first stone of Finland’s accession to NATO. Parliament will take it up, and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin could announce a decision in a few weeks, without even a prior referendum, as opposition to NATO has shrunk. According to the latest polls, only 12% of Finns would refuse membership, and the majority of MEPs are in favour.
One unknown remains: what will be the reaction of Russia during this intermediate period which could last several months, even a year, and during which Finland’s candidacy will be examined by the 30 member countries of NATO, without it being able to benefit from its protection?