NATO chiefs expect Finland’s and Sweden’s accession process to “go fast” if they apply to join
Should Finland and Sweden decide to apply to NATO, the accession process would “go fast” and interim measures would be taken until they become formal members of the alliance, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday.
– We are in dialogue with Finland and Sweden and that is their decision. But if they decide to apply, Finland and Sweden will be warmly welcomed, and I expect the process to go quickly, he tells the press.
“This is basically about the right of every nation in Europe to decide its own future. So when Russia in a way tries to threaten, to scare Finland and Sweden from not applying it, it just shows how Russia does not respect every nation’s fundamental right to choose their own path, ”added Stoltenberg.
“The reality is that Finland and Sweden are already very close to NATO and we work together, we operate together, we train together. And as soon as we make the decision to invite them, it will send a strong political message that Finland’s and Sweden’s security is important for all NATO allies, ”he continued.