Finland and Sweden officially apply to join NATO

Finland and Sweden officially apply for NATO membership at NATO Headquarters in Brussels

European Pravda reported this.

According to the publication, the Ambassador of Finland to NATO Klaus Korhonen and the Ambassador of Sweden Axel Wernhoff forwarded the applications to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, officially launching a procedure that will end decades of Finnish neutrality and about 200 years of Swedish neutrality.

"This is a great day at a critical moment for our security; every country has the right to choose its path. You have made your choice after the democratic process, and I welcome it. Finland and Sweden will increase our common security. It is a historic moment," said Jens Stoltenberg.

Each of the 30 allies in the North Atlantic Alliance must now approve the countries' applications.

As reported by Rubryka, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg met on Wednesday morning with the Ambassadors of Finland and Sweden to the Alliance, who will formally hand over the application of their countries to join NATO.

According to Rubryka, US President Joe Biden plans to meet with the Prime Minister of Sweden and the President of Finland in Washington to discuss the prospects of the two countries' accession to NATO, as well as other issues, including support for Ukraine.

As Rubryka previously reported, on May 17, the Swedish Foreign Minister signed an application to join NATO.

On Tuesday, 17 May, the Finnish Parliament voted in favor of joining NATO.

The Alliance said that both countries could become members of the organization only a few weeks after applying.

The only obstacle now is Turkey's position; the Turkish president has said could not say "yes" to Sweden's and Finland's NATO membership.