NATO accepts applications from Finland and Sweden to join

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg holds up two white covers representing the applications for accession by Finland and Sweden on May 18 – Photo: REUTERS

“This is a historic moment that we must seize,” the secretary-general was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency NATO Jens Stoltenberg spoke at a brief ceremony May 18.

The moment many described as going down in history was when the representatives of Sweden and Finland presented the NATO membership application contained in a white file embossed with the national flag.

“I warmly welcome the request of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. We believe that the accession of Finland and Sweden will significantly strengthen NATO countries in the Baltic Sea,” Mr. Stoltenberg affirmed. determined.

According to NATO regulations, the admission of a new member must receive the consent of all existing members. NATO currently has 30 member countries, which means that all 30 must nod before Finland and Sweden can join.

Some diplomats calculate the ratification process by member states could take up to a year.

Not to mention that Turkey, a NATO member state, is not supporting the admission of Finland and Sweden on the grounds that these countries support the opposing forces, terrorists of Turkey.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg received an application for membership from the Swedish representative on May 18 – Photo: REUTERS

“We are determined to resolve all issues and reach a conclusion quickly, and acknowledge the strong support of all other allies,” NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg said when asked about the attitude. degree of Ankara.

“All allies agree on the importance of NATO expansion. We all agree that we must stand together,” Stoltenberg explained.

Helsinki, Stockholm and other Western allies remain optimistic that they can overcome Ankara’s objections.

Representatives of member countries at NATO will discuss the application for accession today, May 18, and may give the green light for the next step, which is to open formal negotiations with Finland and Sweden.

Russia’s response to the new developments will be interesting to watch, given that Finland – a country that has been neutral for decades and borders Russia – faces the opportunity to become a member of an organization that Moscow believes that are threatening their national security.

Why is Turkey blocking Nordic access to NATO?

TTO – Turkey is creating some waves by showing its disapproval of the presence of Finland and Sweden in NATO. Ankara’s explanation for this somewhat baffling attitude comes from historical factors.