Sweden’s ruling Social Democrats shared the decision to join NATO | NATO
The first signs of a backlash against a possible Swedish application to join NATO have emerged within the ruling Social Democrats, at the beginning of a critical month when Sweden and neighboring Finland are expected to move quickly towards a decision.
Sweden must publish a security policy evaluation report no later than 13 May, two weeks earlier than planned, which will involve representatives of all parties in Sweden’s Riksdag, the Riksdag.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs must also issue a position, before a decision is made by the Alliance Government, no later than 24 May. The Social Democrats are anxious to avoid division in an issue that challenges almost 200 years of Swedish neutrality with a parliamentary election this autumn.
However, local media in Sweden reported Minister of Climate and Environment Annika Strandhäll, who is also chair of the Federal Board of the Social Democrats’ women wing, says that the faction has “a long history and struggle in matters concerning peace, disarmament, detente and military freedom of alliance”. .
That’s why Strandhäll said: “[We] The Federal Board has decided to remain in line with our congressional decisions that Sweden should be militarily non-aligned and stand outside NATO. ”
Finnish President Sauli Niinistö has said he will leave his views by May 12 and give himself time to react to what Vladimir Putin may say on Russia’s victory day on May 9. Moscow has rejected reports that Putin will declare war on Europe on May 9, but has threatened unspecified consequences if NATO accepts the two countries as members.
There has been a sudden change in Finnish opinion against Russia after the invasion of Ukraine with many voters lacking confidence in Russia, with whom Finland shares an 830 km long border.
Surveys by the Finnish Parliament show that almost two thirds of the ministers are in favor of NATO membership. The ruling Finnish Social Democrats will hold a debate on 14 May. Parliament takes evidence on the field, but opinion polls show steady support for membership in the wake of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. This will increase to 80% if both Prime Minister Sanna Marin and the President support membership. President Niinistö is scheduled to pay a two-day visit to Sweden later this month.
The British Minister of Defense, Ben Wallace, was in Finland on Wednesday to show solidarity when British troops participated in a joint exercise with Finnish, American and Estonian troops.
Advocates of NATO membership support a joint application from both Finland and Sweden to be submitted to NATO ahead of the Madrid Summit on 29 June, to give NATO time to respond with an invitation to join. Finland seems determined to join even if Sweden withdraws.
Wallace has been in discussions with the Finnish military about what kind of military support Britain, and other NATO powers, could provide during the transition period between the application and approval of full protection under NATO Article 5.
NATO forces are not expected to be permanently stationed in Finland during the transition period, but joint exercises can be intensified.
Finland has not experienced any increased activity along the border with Russia or disinformation attacks. But the country has taken measures to minimize its dependence on Russian energy until next winter.