Finland is openly showing interest in acceding to NATO.
On March 29, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö announced that the country is looking to bolster its security.
“Ways of doing that are now being carefully checked. In addition to the narrative given to the parliament, we review all opportunities and prospects. To that end, yesterday, we thoroughly went through NATO’s principles and procedures for the accession of new members with Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg,” Niinistö’s announcement reads.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted Finland, a neutral country like neighboring Sweden, to consider joining the Alliance.
Since the start of the war on Feb.24, the public support for NATO membership has increased by 10% — from 53% to 62%.
Meanwhile, the percentage of those opposing the Alliance has decreased from 28% to 16%.
In Sweden, established parties like Moderaterna, are likewise supportive of the country’s membership in the Alliance, noting that “we want Sweden to become a full-fledged NATO member as fast as possible.”
The ruling Social Democrats, however, are less determined with Swedish PM Magdalena Andersson underscoring that it is “important to be cold-headed” on the issue.
Reports indicate that in Sweden, the public support for NATO membership is contingent on Finland’s decision.
According to a poll by Kantor-Sifo, 59% of Swedish respondents would support joining the Alliance following Finland’s decision to do so. Otherwise, only 41% want their country to accede to NATO.
In September, Sweden will hold general elections with the Social Democrats (30,3%), Moderaterna (21,1%), and the Swedish Democrats (19,1$) projected to receive the largest proportion of votes.
