The NATO process has led to many people’s eyes, not least politically, being firmly directed towards our neighboring country Finland right now. The political messages are that we will join NATO together at the same time that the majority of Finns are ready to join now – with or without Sweden.
Despite this, we don’t need to worry, says Heidi Avellan, political editor-in-chief Sydsvenskan and Helsingborgs dagblad.
– The whole point of the application is that we do it together. The road turned out to be a bit longer and more crooked than expected, but it will go well, she says.
Just like in Sweden, NATO has been the big topic of conversation in Finland lately, says Lucas Dahlström, Nordic correspondent for Svenska EPN. According to Heidi Avellan, however, we talk even more about NATO in Sweden and are much more nervous and worried. A concern which, according to her, is quite unwarranted.
– Now the question lies with NATO and ultimately with the United States. We can sit still in the boat and wait for it to work out, she says. Furthermore, she explains that it is just as important for NATO that Sweden and Finland join as it is for Sweden and Finland to be part of the defense alliance.
See more about Sweden and Finland’s relationship in the player above.