Finnish leaders confirm support for Nato application

Finland should join Nato to better handle its security, said the country's Prime Minister and president in a joint declaration on Thursday morning.

Sanna Marin (SDP) and Sauli Niinistö said they had come to the conclusion after a wide-ranging debate on security policy following Russia's renewed attack on Ukraine.

"Now that the moment of decision-making is near, we state our equal views, also for information to the parliamentary groups and parties. NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security," read the statement.

"As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance. Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay. We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days."

Parliamentary parties are now expected to give their own views on Nato membership, with settled lines expected by next week at the latest.

The two leaders referred to a government report on the changed security situation that was prepared ahead of parliamentary debates on the issue in April.

That report declared that Finnish membership of Nato would be increase stability and security in the Baltic Sea region, while also suggesting that Russia's reaction would not be positive.

Speaker of Parliament Matti Vanhanen (Cen) said that today's statement was a significant step.

"It was an expected and extremely important step in this process," said Vanhanen. "Now the president and the government, these two institutions, will make the official decisions that will then go to parliament."

MPs will then begin processing the Nato membership decision on Monday.

"Parliament will sit from 10am on Monday morning," Vanhanen said.

Monday's session will include a debate on the government's decision, and will be followed by a meeting of the Foreign and Security Policy committee which will present a proposal based on the government's decision for MPs to scrutinise.

If there is a counter-proposal, there will be a vote.

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde told the Swedish public broadcaster SVT that the statement by Niinistö and Marin would have an impact on Sweden's decision as well.

"The Prime Minister and President have sent a clear message," said Linde. "We have had close co-operation throughout the process on every level."

Linde said she had a clear idea of what the decision would be for Sweden, but she was not yet ready to reveal her opinion. Among Nato countries, there were quick statements of support from leaders in Estonia, Denmark and Lithuania, among others.