In Finland, NATO membership is talked about all day long. Finland and Sweden are still intending to join at the same time, but Hungary and especially Turkey are blocking Sweden’s accession. As for Finnish Prime Minister Marin, approval will come soon, if necessary without Sweden. ‘The feeling of being together at home is changing.’
According to Scandinavia correspondent Jeroen Visser, joint accession is “much less likely”. Finland’s parliament debates NATO membership today. According to Visser, there are hardly any obstacles left for the Finns. And Turkey has only indicated that it has problems with Sweden. “If Turkey approves the Finnish application, Finland will become a member immediately and Sweden not yet.”
The former need for both countries to become a joint member is increasingly disappearing among Finns. “That feeling of togetherness is changing a little bit,” Visser says. It is unclear if or when a Swedish membership will be approved by Turkey, and some unease has already been felt in Finland. ‘It’s not their preference, but there is room for a scenario where Finland joins before Sweden. However undesirable.’
Border with Russia
This unrest can also be partly explained by the fact that Finland is a neighboring country of Russia, and the two countries have a history of war. “There is a 1,300-kilometer border between the two countries,” says Viser. ‘The momentum is there, the Finns are looking forward to it. They are on the verge of their seats and the harassment between Sweden and Turkey goes on and on.’
Next week, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg will talk to Finland, Sweden, Turkey and Hungary about joining. Finland should put in a good word for Sweden. “But that consultation has been a never-ending prayer for the last few months. The Turks kept making new demands. First it was support for the PKK from sympathizers in Sweden, then it was the demonstrations. In fact, it’s still never good for Turkey.”
Elections
According to analysts, Turkish pressure also has to do with the upcoming elections in May, where President Erdogan wants to be re-elected. After a possible re-election, he could still accept Sweden joining NATO, Viser says.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
