NATO: Finland´s membership of NATO doubles alliance´s border with Russia – Analysis
NATO: Finland´s membership of NATO doubles alliance´s border with Russia – Analysis
With Finland now a fully fledged member of NATO the alliance has doubled its border with Russia, a headache that the diminutive despot Vladimir Putin really doesn’t need. The Nordic nation’s accession was sealed during a formal ceremony at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday.
Accordingly, Finland became NATO’s newest member on 4 April 2023 upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the United States at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. NATO Allies signed Finland’s Accession Protocol on 5 July 2022, after which all 30 national parliaments voted to ratify the country’s membership.
At the ceremony NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said “We welcome Finland to the Alliance!,” as Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto deposited Finland’s instrument of accession with the government of the United States, represented by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The Secretary General then welcomed Finnish President Sauli Niinistö to NATO Headquarters for a flag-raising ceremony to mark the country’s accession to the Alliance. To receive our full Analysis direct to your inbox or smart device please Click Here to Register Free
