Finland’s parliament has begun debating the country’s membership in NATO.

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered a surge in political and public support for NATO membership, Finland’s parliament will discuss whether to join the military alliance on Wednesday.

Despite Russia’s concerns about a nuclear build-up in the Baltic requiring Finland and neighboring Sweden to join the military alliance, Finland’s prime leader declared that his country would make a decision on membership soon.

“I believe it will appear rather quickly.” Last week, Prime Minister Sanna Marin remarked, “Within weeks, not months.”

Following Russia’s invasion on February 24, Sweden is debating whether to file a membership candidacy.

Last week, the 200 members of Finland’s Eduskunta received a government-commissioned “white paper” that weighed the pros and cons of NATO membership against other security options like enhanced bilateral defense agreements.

Despite the fact that Finland is now a NATO partner, the report did not make any suggestions, but it did emphasize that without NATO membership, Finland has no security assurances.

It stated that membership in NATO would have a “considerably larger deterrent effect” on Finland’s defense, while also stating that membership came with obligations for Finland to assist other NATO members.

According to opinion polls, after two decades of public support for NATO membership remaining stable at 20-30%, the war sparked a surge among those in favor to over 60%.

“I used to be against joining NATO, but after seeing this, I’m more in favor,” Sofia Lindblom, 24, remarked while walking her dog in central Helsinki on Wednesday.

She told AFP, “Joining would bring a certain kind of security.”

Vuokka Mustonen, speaking in neighboring Senate Square, said the invasion of Ukraine has “completely changed” her mind on NATO membership.

“I’m quite safe,” the 69-year-old stated, “but I’m frightened.”

– ‘It’s very likely’ –

According to public statements gathered by Finnish media, half of Finland’s 200 MPs now support membership, with only about 12 voting against it.

Others said they’ll make a decision after further in-depth discussions.

The Finnish government stated that it wants to reach a parliamentary agreement in the coming weeks, with MPs hearing from a panel of experts.