‘A new era begins’ as Finland becomes NATO’s newest member

Finland on Tuesday officially become the 31st member of the NATO military alliance.

“The era of military non-alignment in our history has come to an end. A new era begins,” Finnish President Sauli Niinistö said in a statement.

He however added that as their applications were made together in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, “Finland’s membership is not complete without that of Sweden.”

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, meanwhile thanks the “Allies for your trust”, vowing that “together we will be even stronger.”

Both Finland and Sweden applied to join the transatlantic military alliance in May 2022 but the process was delayed by Turkiye complaining that the two Scandinavian countries were supporting groups it considers “terrorist”.

Unanimity is required for a new member to join the alliance. 

Still, Finland’s accession is the fastest on record. The country was given the all-clear last week after the Turkish parliament ratified its membership.

Both Hungary and Turkiye have, however, yet to ratify Sweden’s accession with Budapest citing “ample grievances” including a “declared and open hostile attitude” towards Hungary, such as criticism over rule of law policies in the eastern European nation.

Allies have cheered the arrival of Finland around the table with Estonia Prime Minister Kaja Kallas describing it as “monumental for the security of the Baltic Sea region and the whole Alliance”.

Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly said in a statement that “today will go into the history books for NATO as a defensive Alliance. 31 countries strong, we welcome Finland to the table.”

“Russia thought its aggression would divide us. Instead, we are bound tighter together, resolute in our defence of the principles of freedom and the rule of law.

“Let us be clear that our door remains open. We will welcome further Allies with open arms and we continue to push for Sweden’s swift accession,” he added.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.