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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I believe it will appear rather quickly.” Last week, Prime Minister Sanna Marin remarked, “Within weeks, not months.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following Russia’s invasion on February 24, Sweden is debating whether to file a membership candidacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She told AFP, “Joining would bring a certain kind of security.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vuokka Mustonen, speaking in neighboring Senate Square, said the invasion of Ukraine has “completely changed” her mind on NATO membership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’m quite safe,” the 69-year-old stated, “but I’m frightened.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 ‘It’s very likely’ \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to public statements gathered by Finnish media, half of Finland’s 200 MPs now support membership, with only about 12 voting against it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Others said they’ll make a decision after further in-depth discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Finnish government stated that it wants to reach a parliamentary agreement in the coming weeks, with MPs hearing from a panel of experts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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