BRUSSELS, May 17 (Reuters) – Finland and Sweden formally applied to join NATO at the Allied headquarters on Wednesday, a decision prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and launching an accession process that is expected to take just a few weeks.
Both Sweden and Finland were neutral during the Cold War, and their decision to join NATO has been one of the most significant changes in Europe’s security architecture for decades, reflecting a major shift in public opinion in the Northern region since Russia’s invasion. February 24.
“This is a historic moment that we must seize,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a brief ceremony at which the Swedish and Finnish ambassadors to the alliance presented their application letters, each in a white folder with a raised national flag. .
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“I warmly welcome the requests of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. “You are our closest partners and your membership in NATO will increase our common security,” Stoltenberg said. The Alliance believes that the accession of Finland and Sweden will significantly strengthen it in the Baltic Sea.
Ratification of all 30 union parliaments could take up to a year, diplomats say.
In recent days, Turkey has surprised its allies by saying it has reservations about the membership of Finland and Sweden. Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that he believes the problems can be solved.
“We are determined to work on all issues and reach quick conclusions,” Stoltenberg said, noting the strong support from all other allies.
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Report by Robin Emot, Marin Strauss
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