Finland and Sweden have submitted applications for NATO membership

Jens Stoltenberg Finland Sweden
Jens Stoltenberg / Photo: EPA-EFE / JOHANNA GERON

The Swedish and Finnish ambassadors formally submitted their applications for NATO membership to the Secretary General of the Alliance. Jens Stoltenberg. It happened at NATO headquarters, and the official response is expected in a few weeks. The rules for a new member to join the bloc require the unanimous consent of all allies.

According to diplomats, in case of a positive decision, the ratification process could take about a year.

"You are our closest partners," Stoltenberg said after receiving letters from the two countries' ambassadors requesting to join the Alliance.

Accepting applications at NATO headquarters, Stoltenberg said the move was a "historic step" at a "critical moment" for European security.

Jens Stoltenberg Finland Sweden
Photo: EPA-EFE / JOHANNA GERON

The NATO chief added that the Alliance would assess its membership bid as soon as possible, but that the security interests of all allies "must be taken into account".

Sweden submitted an official application to join NATO yesterday, and lawmakers in Finland formally approved the decision by a large majority. Most allies welcome the two countries' decision and give a positive signal for their vote.

For now, however, Turkey has said it will complicate their accession, stressing that it can not allow the two countries to become members because of their alleged inaction against expelled Kurdish extremists.

All 30 current NATO countries must agree to open the door to new members, and the decision, according to the rules, must be made unanimously.

Source: MIA

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