Status: 08.04.2022 10:29 am
Finland has maintained its neutrality for decades – but since the Ukraine war there has been a majority in favor of NATO membership. Federal President Steinmeier is visiting today – also to signal support for him.
According to its president Sauli Niinistö, Finland is about to apply for NATO membership. Niinistö told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that he had a “huge parliamentary majority” for a corresponding application for membership. In the case of an order, it assumes a “fast” decision.
Finland is an EU, but not a member of NATO. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has reignited the debate over possible membership. Traditionally, most Finns were skeptical of NATO membership – but the latest polls showed a majority in favor for the first time. In recent polls by public broadcaster YLE, more than 60% of respondents were in favor. Finland shares a border of more than 1,300 kilometers with Russia and, like neighboring Sweden, has a long tradition of non-alignment.
President Niinistö (right) hopes his country will join NATO soon. Image: dpa
Decision on membership application before June
According to Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, the decision on whether to apply for membership must be taken before the NATO summit in Madrid in June. Parliament in Helsinki is scheduled to meet after Easter to discuss the issue.
Last Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg encouraged Finland and Sweden to apply for admission. He promised a quick positive response.
Steinmeier wants to talk about the Russian attack
During his visit to Finland today, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also wants to signal that Germany supports Finland’s membership of NATO. According to the Office of the Federal President, the focus of the trip will be “the effects of the brutal war of Russian aggression in Ukraine on neighboring European countries”.
Steinmeier meets with Niinistö in the morning. The two heads of state also want to hear a video speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later in the Finnish parliament. A meeting with Prime Minister Marin is also planned.
Steinmeier’s visit to the European Center of Excellence for Combating Hybrid Threats also has something to do with Russia’s aggression. It is an institution supported by 31 EU and NATO member states, which since 2017 has provided, for example, analysis and advice in the fight against cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns or electoral influence.
The one-day visit is the federal president’s first trip abroad in his second term. In fact, he wanted to do this in Poland to underline the bond with his neighbor and thank him for his great willingness to help take in Ukrainian refugees. However, this prevented Steinmeier’s corona infection. He wants to make up for the trip on Tuesday.
Federal President Steinmeier travels to Finland
Martin Polansky, ARD Berlin, 8 April 2022 10:15 am