On Wednesday, Finland and Sweden applied for NATO membership. Their addition will expand NATO’s presence in the north, expand its operations on the Baltic Sea, and double its land border with Russia—a strategic value. The move was prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Before the invasion, most people in those countries believed they were safer outside of NATO. The invasion changed that.
Finland’s and Sweden’s accession must be approved by all 30 existing NATO members. This usually takes 8-12 months, but NATO is expected to accelerate the process. The lone dissenter so far has been Turkey. Sweden implemented arms sanctions against Turkey after the latter invaded Syria in 2019. Moreover, Sweden refused to extradite 30 individuals whom Turkey considers to be terrorists. Most experts, however, believe Turkey’s objections can be worked-out, and are anxious for the new members to join. Finland and Sweden both have functioning democracies. Both have well-funded militaries. Both have been limited partners with NATO in the past, taking part in some military operations. Their equipment is even inter-operable with NATO’s; and they both know how to operate on the northern frontier.
I mentioned a couple of articles ago that the war in Ukraine is accelerating the regionalization of Europe. Two nations, which historically have prided themselves on their independence, are now joining the world’s largest collective military organization. Both are already members of the European Union, so this move in some ways completes their fraternity. Putin’s war triggered the exact response he went to war to prevent—the expansion of NATO and strengthening of western Europe.
Russia’s response so far has been muted. He sees no threat from their joining NATO, though he did say that “the expansion of military infrastructure into this territory will certainly provoke our response.” To protect Finland and Sweden during the application period (NATO is not obligated to defend them until they become full members) several nations have unilaterally offered them security assurances. In addition, Finland and Sweden have already anticipated a Russia response in the form of hybrid attacks (cyber, psychological, threats, etc.). They say they have planned for them and they’re ready.
Source:
“Finland and Sweden Formally Submit NATO Membership Applications, Associated Press, 18 May 2022, accessed from https://www.npr.org/2022/05/18/1099679338/finland-and-sweden-formally-submit-nato-membership-applications
Emily Rauhala, Michael Birnbaum, Ellen Nakashima, “ Turkey Blocks Start of NATO Talks on Finland’s and Sweden’s Applications,” Washington Post, 18 May 2022, accessed from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/05/18/finland-sweden-nato-apply/
“Finland and Sweden Submit Applications to Join NATO,” Aljazeera, 18 May 2022, accessed from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/18/finland-and-sweden-submit-applications-to-join-nato
John Henley, “Turkey Blocks Early Vote on Sweden and Finland Joining NATO,” The Guardian,18 May 2022, accessed from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/18/sweden-and-finland-formally-apply-to-join-nato
Photo: Hannibal Hanschke/Getty Images
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