Russia’s attack on Ukraine has sparked debates in some countries about becoming a member of NATO. Especially in Finland, which not only has a long border with Russia, but also historical ties.
It seems absurd to compare Finland’s situation with that of Ukraine. But anyone who has heard Vladimir Putin’s justification for the Russian attack on his neighboring country and also looks at Finnish history could become uneasy.
Like Ukraine, Finland is not a member of NATO, and like Ukraine, Finland has at least partly belonged to Russia throughout its checkered history; most recently, the two countries waged war against each other in 1939 and 1944. And: Finland has a 1,340-kilometer border with the aggressor in Ukraine. It’s no wonder that there, in particular, considerations of becoming a member of NATO have gained momentum. But not only here. The debate has also become more lively in Sweden and Austria.
NATO accession: Finnish parliament discussed
In Finland, however, the question is particularly pressing, as the announcement of the first considerations had already triggered a Russian reaction. “We consider the Finnish government’s commitment to a military non-aligned policy to be an important factor in ensuring security and stability in Northern Europe”, . To send a threat straight away: “Finland’s accession to NATO would have serious military and political consequences.”
Reason enough for the Finnish parliament to debate a possible NATO membership. The trigger was a petition calling for a referendum on Finland’s accession to the military alliance. Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Twitter on Monday evening that the planned parliamentary session should actually be about the situation in Ukraine in general. However, since the petition has reached the number of 50,000 signatures required for a parliamentary debate, it is “sensible to discuss the attitudes of the parties” to NATO membership.
The government of Finland, which has the status of a NATO partner country, initially ruled out membership shortly after Russia’s major attack on Ukraine. But a survey released Monday showed a historic rethinking of accession. According to the survey for the public broadcaster Yle, 53 percent of Finns are in favor of Finland joining the military alliance, while 28 percent are against it. Charly Salonius-Pasternak from the Finnish Institute for International Affairs described the result as “completely historic and exceptional”.
Sweden: Government still advocates neutrality
Opinion has also changed significantly in neighboring Sweden since the Russian invasion of Ukraine: According to a survey published by the SVT television channel, 41 percent of those surveyed are currently in favor of joining NATO – more than ever before. However, unlike its two neighbors Finland and Norway, Sweden does not have a border with Russia. At best, there is a direct connection between the two countries across the Baltic Sea. Despite the debate about NATO membership fueled by the Ukraine war, Sweden is sticking to its stance of not joining the defense alliance, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said.
“In a situation like this, it is important that Sweden’s long-standing security policy remains stable. That we are predictable and clear,” said the social democrat. Sweden has been “non-aligned for an extremely long time” and this has “served Swedish interests well,” she added. Notwithstanding, she said “a new and dark chapter in European history has begun”. Whether she wanted to indicate that there could be a rethinking of NATO membership in Sweden as well, remained open.
Austria: Away from “perpetual neutrality”?
The question of joining NATO is also the subject of increasingly lively debates in Austria. The Alpine Republic anchored “permanent neutrality” in the 1955 state treaty. But that doesn’t stop Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) from questioning this neutrality. In the ORF he distanced himself from the “life lie” that neutrality would protect Austria. Nehammer with regard to Putin: “Anyone who disregards international law also disregards neutrality.” However, the chancellor did not want this to be understood as an application to join NATO.
The majority of Austrian politicians seem to rely on geographic location. Anyone who wants to invade Austria must first go through alliance territory, as the country is surrounded by NATO countries. In this way, a deterrence arises by itself, it is said. Of all the parliamentary parties, only the Neos are currently shaking up neutrality. “Absurd” is the attempt to apply such an outdated idea in a completely changed world, quoted “Der Standard” Vice-Chairman Nikolaus Scherak. The EU needs its own army to protect Europe. And Austria was to take part in this army.
The topic of joining NATO continues to smolder in Austria. It would not be the first iron principle that would be quickly shaken by the attack on Ukraine these days.
Swell:; ; ; ; DPA news agency
Source: Stern
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