The future of Finland, Sweden and NATO
The Nordic countries in Finland and Sweden have long been involved in neutral foreign and security policy and have fundamentally re-evaluated their positions in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The two countries are expected to apply for NATO membership and a quick accession is likely.
What effects can a Finnish and Swedish NATO membership have on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and future NATO-Russia relations? How quickly could a membership enter into force, and should any interim measures be considered to increase security in Finland and Sweden in the meantime? How can NATO adjust its military position to support Article V mutual defense guarantees for these potential new members?
On May 23, Brookings will host an event with the Finnish Ambassador to the United States, Mikko Hautala, and the Swedish Ambassador to the United States, Karin Olofsdotter, to discuss the consequences of such an approach for their two countries and for NATO. The conversation will be moderated by Brookings senior fellows Michael E. O’Hanlon and Constanze Stelzenmüller.
After the discussion, the ambassadors will answer questions from the audience. Online viewers can send questions via email to [email protected] or via Twitter at #NATOmembership.
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