Parliament of Latvia has just unanimously ratified Accession Protocols of #Finland and #Sweden to #NATO. Congratulations, friends and allies @Haavisto and @AnnLinde
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) July 14, 2022
“The accession of Finland and Sweden is important in order to maintain credibility with NATO's open-door policy, particularly at the moment when pressure is exerted on it in relation to Russia's claims toward NATO shortly before its large-scale invasion of Ukraine,” said Rihards Kols (National Alliance), Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission responsible for the bill. He indicated that Latvia has consistently defended the right of all countries to decide on their own security policy, their affiliation with alliances, and their future in general.
The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO will strengthen the alliance's total military capabilities in the Baltic Sea region, as well as increase capacity in deterrence and collective defense, Kols said.
In view of the war in Ukraine launched by Russia, its aggressive rhetoric, and potential to escalate the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, it is in the interest of Latvia and allies to accelerate the process of Finland and Sweden joining NATO, as stated in the annotations of the draft laws.
I welcome the ratification today by the Parliament of Latvia (@Jekaba11) of the Accession Protocols of Sweden and Finland to @NATO. I urge all Allies to take this step so that the Accession Protocols can enter into force. 🇫🇮🇸🇪
— Egils Levits (@valstsgriba) July 14, 2022
