The Finnish and Swedish governments have decided to file an application for NATO membership. A letter of formal application was submitted to the NATO Secretary-General on May 18 this year.
In view of the war in Ukraine launched by Russia, its aggressive rhetoric, and the potential to escalate the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, it is in the interest of Latvia and the Allies to accelerate the process of accessing Finland and Sweden to NATO, thereby reducing Russia's window of capabilities, states the draft law approved by the government.
The accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO will take place in accordance with the Protocol on the Accession of Sweden and Finland to the North Atlantic Treaty.
Once NATO member states have agreed to sign the accession protocol, it will be signed by NATO member states' authorized representatives during the meeting of the North Atlantic Council.
During the government meeting, Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity) and Defense Minister Artis Pabriks (Development/For!) reiterated that the accession of Sweden and Finland to the Alliance will also strengthen the security of the Baltic States.
