The Netherlands thinks Finland’s NATO membership is fine | Inland
The Finns are happy with Hoekstra’s attitude. “We all feel threatened by Russia’s actions in Ukraine in Europe,” Haavisto said.
He pointed out that it is still too early to decide on a NATO application. “That should also go through parliament. But we appreciate NATO’s open policy practice,” said the Finnish minister, referring to NATO’s policy of welcoming new members if they want to join the alliance.
Refugees
Both ministers expressed their concern about the reports of civilian casualties in the war in Ukraine. The Netherlands and Finland want to continue to focus on helping Ukraine and receiving refugees.
“We expect the number of refugees to rise much further,” said Hoekstra. “We believe that care should be taken in our own region. Europe is our own region. And so the Netherlands must also make its full contribution to this.”
Baltic states
Hoekstra will be traveling to Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on Monday and Tuesday. Immediately start is the war in Ukraine.
Finland has been in the running for NATO membership since last week. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are already members of NATO, but not everyone is reassured that Russian President Putin has not also set his sights on these Baltic states. The Netherlands should hear how they view recent developments in Ukraine.