Finland, Sweden declare positions on NATO bid this week

Finland and Sweden are likely to announce their position this week regarding the possible NATO membership applications.

President Sauli Niinistö on 5 May said that the process taken by Finland in March regarding NATO membership application is getting its finishing touches and he will disclose his position on the issue by May 12.

Niinistö met with the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of Parliament, the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committees, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the leaders of parties elected to Parliament and discussed the government report on changes in the security environment and the strengthening of Finland’s security.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin, also earlier announced that she will disclose her position on NATO membership application on 14 May.

Meanwhile, Tobias Baudin, secretary-general of the ruling Swedish Social Democratic Party, said the party would probably issue a final decision on Sweden's NATO membership on May 15, reported Xinhua.

In Sweden, parliamentary parties are in heated discussions over the issue. Most members of parliament have expressed their support for Sweden joining the bloc, except for the Left Party and the Green Party.

On Wednesday, Baudin told TT news agency that the party board would hold an extra meeting on its NATO membership decision on May 15, a date brought forward from the previously scheduled May 24.