UPDATE 1-Finland, Sweden will begin NATO application in May, local media reports
(Adds context, Finnish Foreign Minister comments)
HELSINKI, April 25 (Reuters) – Finland and Sweden will jointly express their desire to join NATO in May, the tabloid newspapers Iltalehti in Finland and Expressen in Sweden reported on Monday, citing sources close to the matter.
Despite closer cooperation with the military alliance since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, the Nordic countries had both chosen to stay out. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is called a “special operation”, has forced Sweden and Finland to investigate whether their long-standing military neutrality is still the best way to ensure national security.
According to Iltalehti, the leaders of Finland and Sweden plan to meet the week of May 16 and after that publicly announce their plans to apply to join the alliance.
Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto declined to comment, but reiterated his long-standing view that he would prefer Finland and Sweden to make similar choices.
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said two weeks ago, when she visited her Swedish counterpart Magdalena Andersson, that she expected Finland to make its decision within a few weeks.
Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs could not be reached immediately for comment on the reports.
Stockholm is conducting a review of security policy, which includes a view on a possible NATO membership, with the results expected in mid-May.
Separately, Sweden’s ruling Social Democrats are also reviewing their long-standing objection to NATO membership. It is expected no later than May 24. (Reporting by Essi Lehto; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Alex Richardson)