"Neutral Country Finland Nears NATO Membership Application"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] There is a prospect that Finland may submit its application to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) next month. The Nordic military-neutral country Finland has decided to change its long-standing principle in light of the Ukraine war.

According to the internet media Axios on the 8th (local time), if the Finnish government submits a report on changes in the security environment to the parliament at the end of this month, the parliament will hold a debate and recommend whether to apply for NATO membership.

Finland, a northwestern European country bordering Russia, declared military neutrality along with Sweden in the 1990s. However, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it has been supporting Ukraine with weapons.

Public support among Finns who have witnessed this war firsthand is at an all-time high. In a poll last month, 60% of Finns supported joining NATO, which is double the level of last autumn (34%). Axios explained, "This is the highest level since related polls were conducted in 1998."

NATO also welcomes Finland's membership. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, recently said, "If Sweden and Finland join, all 30 member countries will welcome it," and added, "The accession process will also proceed quickly."

Former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb stated that he believes the Finnish government will decide to apply for NATO membership as early as May.

Some members of the Finnish parliament argue that the application should be submitted before the NATO summit held in Madrid, Portugal, at the end of June.

Regarding the rising public opinion for NATO membership, former Prime Minister Stubb said, "Finnish people are driven by what they call 'rational fear,'" adding, "There have been efforts to establish a proper relationship with Russia, but Finns believe it is impossible under Putin's regime." He further added, "Most Finns feel they never want to be alone again, as during World War II."

Russia warned on the 12th of last month that Finland and Sweden's active moves toward NATO membership would "lead to serious military and political consequences."

There are concerns that Russia may take aggressive actions before a final decision is made after Finland applies for NATO membership. Former Prime Minister Stubb dismissed this as "a show of force by Russia," but predicted, "There will definitely be hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and information warfare."