The ruling Swedish Social Democratic Party started an internal debate on Monday about its stance on NATO. The Finnish government has commissioned a report to be presented next Wednesday for a next parliamentary debate.
Finland and Sweden plan to apply for admission to the Atlantic Alliance in June next year, following a meeting held last week between the foreign ministers of the member states of the Atlantic Alliance. NATO and those of both Scandinavian countries, as reported by the British newspaper The times
Officials from both countries are said to have pointed to the “big strategic mistake” of Russia with the invasion of Ukraine, as Finland and Sweden are currently “ready to join NATO in the summer”.
Washington is relying on this move, which would add two new members to the Atlantic Alliance, moving it from 30 to 32 countries, it said. The times In addition, the United States is said to have noted that this change in the position of the Scandinavian countries is “a direct result” of the war in Ukraine
This Saturday, a coalition partner in the Finnish government traditionally opposed to NATO membership showed openness to membership, paving the way for Helsinki to join the Atlantic Alliance.
“If the government believes the move and timing are right, then, as chairman of the Center Party, I am ready with your support to chart the course for Finland’s entry into the NATO defense alliance,” the statement said. chairman of the Center Party, Annika Saarikko
For his part, the ruler Swedish Social Democratic Party launched an internal debate on Monday about the security situation in Europe and its position vis-à-vis NATO, so far in conflict with Sweden’s accession to the Alliance.
The Social Democrats, the first parliamentary power, approved in their last congress last November to keep the current status, but the outbreak of war in Ukraine at the end of February is the reason that a new internal discussion is now opening.
The Social Democratic Prime Minister, Magdalena Andersonhas defended Sweden’s position in recent weeks, although it has not ruled out a hypothetical accession to NATO.
In the current parliament, the majority is against joining NATO, although the far-right Swedish Democrats (SD) today convened an extraordinary meeting on NATO, whose accession has so far been opposed, according to Swedish media reports.
The leader of the SD, Jimmie Akessonstated last weekend that if Finland joins the Alliance, Sweden should follow.
Finland has a similar status to Sweden, but there is now a majority in parliament for this country to join NATO.
The Helsinki government has commissioned a group of experts to prepare a report thoroughly analyzing the benefits and risks of potential Alliance accession, which will be presented next Wednesday for another parliamentary debate.
The aim, as explained by the Social Democratic Prime Minister, sanna marinmust make a decision before the end of June, shortly before the NATO summit to be held in Madrid.
Source: EITB
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