Finland And Sweden Confirm Their Intention To Join NATO

 

Daily Mail: Sweden confirms they also want to join NATO hours after Finland officially announced it will apply to become part of alliance despite Putin saying country has 'made a mistake' 

* Sweden's ruling Social Democratic Party has said it backs NATO membership bid 

* It comes after Finland said early Sunday it would be making its own application 

* President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin made announcement 

* 'This is a historic day. A new era begins,' Niinisto said of Finland's decision 

* The Finnish Parliament is expected to endorse the decision in coming days 

* Yesterday, Russian strongman Vladimir Putin told the President of Finland he is making a 'mistake' by joining NATO as it faces 'no security threats' 

* Public support for the two countries to join has swelled since invasion of Ukraine 

Sweden's ruling Social Democrats said on Sunday they backed the country joining NATO, abandoning decades of opposition in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and creating a large parliament majority in favour of membership. 

With neighbouring Finland already set to hand in its application, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson is now all but certain to enter a formal application within days. 

Many Swedish politicians said their support was conditional on Finland joining.  

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Finland And Sweden Confirm Their Intention To Join NATO  

Finland, Sweden inch closer to seeking NATO membership -- AP  

Finland announces 'historic' NATO bid -- AFP  

Finland and Sweden confirm intention to join Nato -- The Guardian  

Finland officially announces support for NATO membership -- DW  

Finland’s leaders say country should apply for NATO membership ‘without delay’ -- CNBC  

Finland will seek to join NATO, leaders say, ditching decades of neutrality despite Russia's threats of retaliation -- CNN

Finland President surprised at Putin's 'calm' response to NATO membership news -- FOX News  

Sweden to join Finland in Nato bid and Eurovision joy - round-up -- BBC

Sweden Declares NATO Membership Bid Hours After Neighboring Finland -- Zero Hedge