WASHINGTON, D.C. — After years of remaining neutral, Finland has taken a bold step by officially joining NATO on April 4th, 2023. This move is a historic realignment that is expected to have major geopolitical implications, especially with regards to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year. Finland’s decision to join the world’s largest security alliance was influenced by the increasing support for NATO within the country following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Finland’s application for NATO membership was initiated shortly after the invasion, along with neighboring Sweden. Last Thursday, NATO got the final approval to allow Finland into the alliance with Turkey signing off on Finland’s application. According to Deseret News, Finland’s move to join NATO is a major blow to Russia.
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, welcomed Finland as NATO’s 31st ally on this historic day, marking the 74th anniversary of NATO. Blinken believes that Finland’s membership will strengthen the collective defense of NATO and enhance its ability to respond to security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year is seen as a precipitating factor that led to Finland joining NATO, something that President Putin had tried to avoid. Blinken believes that the invasion led to a stronger, more unified Transatlantic Alliance. Sweden is also a strong and capable partner that is ready to join NATO, and Blinken encourages Hungary and Turkey to ratify the accession protocols for Sweden without delay so that the country can be welcomed into the alliance as soon as possible.
NATO has played a critical role in maintaining peace and stability in Europe for over 70 years, and has promoted stability and the international rules-based order around the world. Finland’s membership in the alliance is expected to advance these shared goals.