Finland’s Accession to NATO

President Niinisto's official letter, Statement of the US Sec of State, and posts of greetings from other NATO members

Apr 04, 2023

Thirty-one flags flying together as a symbol of our unity and solidarity. #Finland is safer and #NATO is stronger with Finland as an Ally Welcome to our Alliance 🇫🇮

President Niinisto’s statement

Sauli Niinistö @niinisto

Finland has today become a member of the defence alliance NATO. The era of military non-alignment in our history has come to an end. A new era begins.

Each country maximizes its own security. So does Finland. At the same time, NATO membership strengthens our international position and room for manoeuvre. As a partner, we have long actively participated in NATO activities. In the future, Finland will make a contribution to NATO’s collective deterrence and defence.

Membership of the Alliance provides security for Finland. Finland, on the other hand, provides security for the Alliance. Finland, committed to the security of all NATO member states, will be a reliable ally that strengthens regional stability.

Read the full statement:
https://www.presidentti.fi/en/press-release/statement-by-president-of-the-republic-of-finland-sauli-niinisto-on-finlands-nato-membership

Finland’s Accession to NATO

Press Statement, ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE, APRIL 4, 2023

On this historic day as we mark the 74th anniversary of NATO, we also welcome Finland as NATO’s 31st Ally. Finland is stronger and safer within the Alliance, and the Alliance is stronger and safer with Finland as its Ally.

Finland has a highly capable military and has been an active participant in NATO-led operations; it also shares our values and strong democratic institutions. We are confident Finland’s membership will strengthen our collective defense and enhance our ability to respond to security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Russia’s further invasion into Ukraine last year precipitated the very thing President Putin wanted to avoid: a stronger, more unified, Transatlantic Alliance.

Sweden is also a strong and capable partner that is ready to join NATO. We encourage Türkiye and Hungary to ratify the accession protocols for Sweden without delay so we can welcome Sweden into the Alliance as soon as possible.

NATO has helped maintain peace and stability in Europe for over 70 years. It has also played a critical role in promoting stability and the international rules-based order around the world. Finland’s membership in the Alliance will advance these shared goals.

Official ceremony…

Congratulations and greetings are streaming in from all corners of the globe for Finland’s accession to NATO. What a historic moment!!!! So moving!!!!