Finland and Sweden to Jointly Submit NATO Membership Applications on the 18th

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Finland and Sweden have signed official applications for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and announced that they have dispatched delegations to Turkey, which opposes their NATO membership. The leaders of both countries are also expected to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss the NATO membership issue.

According to the Associated Press on the 17th (local time), the governments of Finland and Sweden signed the official applications for NATO membership on the same day and decided to jointly submit the applications to NATO on the 18th. On the same day, Finnish President Sauli Niinist? and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson held a joint press conference, stating, "We have chosen the same path and are pleased to be able to do this together."

Prior to signing the NATO membership applications, the Finnish Parliament officially approved the application after a 14-hour debate, with 188 out of 200 seats voting in favor of joining NATO. This officially ended Finland's neutral status after 74 years. Unlike Finland, Sweden did not require parliamentary ratification, so the government decided to apply for membership.

Additionally, both countries announced that they have sent delegations to Turkey. Turkey is the only member opposing the two countries’ EU membership, and since NATO membership requires unanimous approval, gaining Turkey's consent is known to be the final hurdle.

Turkey opposes their NATO membership on the grounds that both countries participated in the EU's arms embargo against Turkey in 2019. The Turkish government also demands that they stop supporting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), an armed Kurdish group confronting Turkey, from behind the scenes. Both countries have shown a friendly attitude toward the Kurds, and it is known that six Kurdish-origin members are active in the Swedish Parliament.

Meanwhile, Finnish President Niinist? and Swedish Prime Minister Andersson are scheduled to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden on the 19th to discuss NATO membership and other issues. White House spokesperson Jean-Pierre emphasized in a press briefing that day, "We are confident that there will be an agreement regarding Turkey, Sweden, and Finland's NATO membership applications," and added, "We know there is a lot of support for Sweden and Finland's NATO membership."