Report warns of 'serious crisis' with Russia if Finland joins NATO
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 April 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Report warns of 'serious crisis' with Russia if Finland joins NATO, 30 April 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5769008e10.html [accessed 22 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 30, 2016
Finland would provoke a "serious crisis" with Russia if it joined NATO, a report commissioned by the government warned on April 29.
The expert report also said that Finland and Sweden should move together if they want to join the transatlantic military alliance.
"Finland would be more exposed and vulnerable than it currently is if Sweden alone were to join NATO," it said, while "Finland joining NATO with Sweden staying out would create a strategically awkward situation."
"Membership would probably also lead to a serious crisis with Russia, for an undefined period of time."
The report was commissioned by Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila because of Russia's increased military activity in the Baltic region and its aggressions in Ukraine.
Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia. It was attacked by its powerful neighbor during World War II but has maintain peaceful relations with Moscow since then.
NATO is open to Finnish membership, but Helsinki has been reluctant to join even as it cooperates with the alliance.
Sipila said his government has to be ready to seek NATO membership if necessary, adding: "With Sweden, we have promised not to surprise each other in these matters."
Based on reporting by AFP and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
