Sweden’s membership still depends on Erdogan’s timetable, writes NATO special reporter Maria Stenroos.
Finland’s first NATO meeting as a member country coincided with a moment when NATO has had to return to its basic mission. Russia’s attack on Ukraine forced NATO to strengthen its defense to match the weakened security situation in Europe.
The culprit for NATO is clear, and the message was repeated in the speeches of several leaders in Vilnius.
– Russia can end this war today, President of the United States Joe Biden In his speech after the NATO meeting in Vilnius.
The situation between NATO and Russia has returned to the basic situation for which NATO was created at the time. NATO is strengthening its forces, readiness and weaponry to ensure the security of member countries. Russia’s aggressive behavior is answered by strengthening NATO’s deterrence.
The meeting in Vilnius was dominated by the desired progress of Sweden’s NATO application, supporting Ukraine in a difficult situation and strengthening the defense.
According to NATO, Russia is a threat, and this threat united the countries in Vilnius. However, straightening the lines and finding a common vision will require work.
Sweden’s NATO application has been stuck in a waiting state, where Turkey is the gatekeeper. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave the green light during the meeting in Vilnius and promised that Sweden’s application would be ratified in the Turkish parliament as soon as possible. This announcement made it easier for the NATO countries and at least for a while it seemed that there is less of a distortion in the unity the size of Sweden’s missing membership.
As the meeting progressed, however, it was not clear on what schedule Turkey would fulfill its promise. If Erdoğan doesn’t hurry up, the parliament will have time for the summer break. Then Sweden would have to wait until October. Turkey still seems to keep Sweden and other NATO countries in suspense.
Ukraine’s hopes for NATO access dominated the meeting. Volodymyr Zelensky participation in the meeting makes concrete again that for the leaders of the NATO countries, war is about plans and preparations, for Zelensky it is true.
Both NATO and Ukraine are on the same line that a country at war cannot become a member of NATO. However, the NATO countries worked hard to maintain Ukraine’s faith in the support of the countries and the organization and in future membership.
The road to membership was simplified, and it was promised that it would be realized when the conditions for membership were met in the opinion of all countries. In the future, Ukraine and NATO countries will discuss in the council, i.e. as equals.
In connection with the meeting, many NATO countries announced support that strengthens Ukraine’s military power. As an organization, NATO supports Ukraine financially, among other things.
At the start of the meeting, the NATO countries were still on different lines about what Ukraine was promised. The agreement was a victory for the countries in itself. Ukraine was also promised advancement, although Zelenskyi admitted that the country would have liked more, to be invited to become a member.
On strengthening NATO’s defense all countries have a common vision. The most concrete commitment is that the countries promise to increase their defense budget to at least two percent.
With this budget, NATO can, for example, improve the number of troops on high alert, which means that the agreed number of soldiers can be mobilized in different areas in a certain time.
The reform of the command and force structure was agreed upon. The countries also approved joint defense plans, according to which actions are taken in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, in Eastern and Central Europe, as well as in the North and the Atlantic region.
NATO really made it happen changes it wanted. However, what is significant is that unity is really emphasized. The message of unity is emphasized, and that message is intended for Russia.
Finland’s first the meeting as a member country took place with participation and seeking a line of unity. President Sauli Niinistö and Finland were taken into account at the meeting. On the map of NATO countries, Finland creates more security.
Defense plans are shown by the Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen according to those who strengthen security from the point of view of Finland. However, it means that Finland also has to do its part, not only for its own safety but also for the safety of others. This requires keeping resources at roughly the current level even after the fighter acquisition is done.