Russia wary as Nordic states mull closer Nato ties

2016/5/2 23:40:37

A Finnish Army 2A4 Leopard main battle tank on parade in Finland’s annual Independence Day parade. (Photo courtesy Wikipedia)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By ALEKSANDRA ERIKSSON for EUObserver, May 2, 2016

 

BRUSSELS - Finland and Sweden are strengthening their ties with Nato, in developments prompting Russian criticism and scrutiny.

 

Known in the Cold War for their neutrality, in 2014 the two Nordic states signed new accords with Nato on so-called host-nation support.

 

The agreements enable joint training and military assistance from Nato troops in emergency situations. The accord has already entered into force in Finland. It will be up for a vote in the Swedish parliament on 25 May.

 

The Finnish government also commissioned a team of independent experts to rate the consequences of possible Nato membership.

 

The report, put forward on Friday (29 April), said a Finnish application would be a “sea change” in the country's foreign policy, and was likely to upset Russia. It recommended that relations with Nato should be conducted together with Sweden.

 

"Whatever is done should be done together," said Francois Heisbourg, one of the authors.

 

The experts noted that Finland took part in the EU’s common security and defence policy (CSDP). But they said the EU policy was complementary to Nato’s military capabilities rather than a potential substitute.

 

Finland's prime minister Juha Sipila welcomed the report’s findings. He said Finland would let Sweden know if it chose to apply for Nato membership.

 

"We have promised not to surprise each other in these matters," he said.

 

For complete article text, link below:

https://euobserver.com/nordic/133289

 

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