Italy supports Finland, Sweden NATO bid

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Wednesday said that his country backs the bid by Finland and Sweden to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Speaking at a joint press conference after a meeting with Prime Minister Sanna Marin at Palazzo Chigi, the seat of Italy's government in Rome, he also said that Italy was willing to speed up the two applicant countries' accession procedures, reported news agency Xinhua.

Draghi recalled that the application for membership in the military alliance was sparked by security worries in the wake of the Russia´s attack on Ukraine.

Finland and Sweden, both members of the European Union (EU), formally applied for NATO membership on Wednesday.

All 30 current NATO member states must approve the applications of new members. Turkey, however, has said it opposed the membership of the two Nordic countries.

Draghi said Italy's support for Finland did not depend on that country becoming a member of NATO.

"Like many other NATO and EU countries, (Italy) will be involved in helping to ensure Finland's national security during the transition period," Draghi said. "What that entails is something we will decide when it is needed."

The Premiers discussed on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and on the security situation in Europe, which has changed as a result, said the Finnish government in a press release.

“The EU has responded to Russia’s aggression with strength and unity. Finland is prepared to impose new sanctions that would restrict Russia’s energy exports. We must reduce our dependence on energy from Russia and accelerate the transition to renewable energy,” Marin said at the joint press conference.

Marin highlighted the broad public support for joining NATO in Finland. It is also important for Finland that neighbouring Sweden wants to join NATO at the same time.

“Finland’s NATO membership will strengthen Finland’s security and the defence alliance as a whole. Together with Sweden, we will bring stability to the Baltic Sea region and Northern Europe. Finland has a strong, credible defence capacity. As a NATO partner, we already work in close cooperation with the defence alliance. I would like to thank Prime Minister Draghi for showing support for Finland’s NATO membership. Italy can trust that Finland will be a strong and reliable NATO partner,” Marin said.

Marin and Draghi also discussed the special European Council taking place at the end of May and explored ways to boost economic and commercial cooperation between Finland and Italy.

During her visit, Prime Minister Marin will also meet with two former Italian prime ministers: leader of the Five Star Movement Giuseppe Corte and Democratic Party leader Enrico Letta. Both of their parties are part of the current government.