Witnessing Finlandâs path to NATO from a close distance
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NATO Review offers expert opinion, analysis and debate on security issues. What is published in this magazine does not necessarily represent the official position or policy
of member governments, or of NATO
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Dr Matti Pesu
On 4 April 2023, Finlandâs Blue Cross Flag was hoisted at NATO Headquarters, marking the nationâs entry into the Alliance. Finlandâs formal accession to NATO was the culmination of an 11-month membership path that was triggered following Russiaâs unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. The overwhelming majority of Finns supported their nationâs NATO membership, and many toasts were raised that day in early spring. Though joining the Alliance without Sweden â which was left to wait for the completion of its own accession process - put a slight damper on the festive occasion.
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