Finland's president, prime minister back NATO membership
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin say they support joining the NATO military alliance, abandoning decades of neutrality for the Nordic country, which shares a long border with Russia, RFE/RL reports.
"NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defense 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," the two leaders said in a joint statement on May 12.
Sweden is also expected to announce its intention to join NATO in the coming days.
While no formal date is expected to be announced immediately for when accession could take place, NATO will hold a summit in Madrid on June 28-29.