During a press conference with the Finnish Prime Minister (PM) Sanna Marin on Wednesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed Helsinki’s interest in joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) amid Europe’s deteriorating security situation.
LIVE: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin speak to media https://t.co/b8qgMs9wOp
— PresserWatch (@PresserWatch) March 16, 2022
When questioned about whether Germany would support Finland’s decision to join the Western military alliance, Scholz noted the ongoing cooperation between both nations regarding matters of pertinence. “The wishes that Finland brings to us and the alliances that we are involved in are always very welcome,” he said.
Finland has been reviewing its proposal for NATO membership, with Finnish PM Sanna Marin saying, “It is possible that Finland will look to join NATO.”
Marin also urged Germany and other European countries dependent on Russian energy imports to reduce their dependency and stop financing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military actions against Ukraine. “That has to stop... I am sure that Germany and other member states of the European Union (EU) are trying to find other ways,” she said.
Ministerpräsidentin @MarinSanna traf heute den @Bundeskanzler Scholz in Berlin. Im Zentrum des Gesprächs stand der russische Angriff auf die #Ukraine. "Die Beziehungen zwischen 🇫🇮 & 🇩🇪 sind stark und eng, und ich freue mich auf die Fortsetzung unserer Gespräche", so Marin. pic.twitter.com/Pmmop2usNC
— Botschaft Finnland (@FinBotschaftDe) March 16, 2022
Both sides promised more humanitarian, military, and economic aid for Ukraine. “We are trying to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position in talks with Russia,” Scholz said. Furthermore, Marin called for harsher action against Moscow.
A press release prior to Marin’s Berlin visit highlighted topics for discussions, including “Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the development of European security and defence cooperation and the EU’s economic and energy policy.”
Prime Minister @MarinSanna will meet with Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz in Berlin today. They will discuss
— Finnish Government (@FinGovernment) March 16, 2022
🔹 Russia’s attack on Ukraine
🔹 the development of European security and defence cooperation
🔹 the EU’s economic and energy policyhttps://t.co/ralW0DaDIA
Finland has traditionally been wary of Russia, with which it shares a 1,340 km land border, and has therefore maintained friendly ties. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to increased support for NATO membership amongst the Finnish population. Earlier this month, a public broadcaster Yle said 53% of Finns were in favour of joining the Alliance.
Commenting on the possibility of NATO membership, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto had said last week, “When alternatives and risks have been analysed, then it’s time for conclusions,” adding, “We have safe solutions also for our future. We must review them carefully. Not with delay, but carefully.” However, he declined to provide a time frame for the process.
Additionally, Niinisto met United States President Joe Biden at the White House earlier this month to discuss joint sanctions against Russia for its “unprovoked and unjustified” invasion of Ukraine, and NATO’s Open Door policy.
Apart from Finland, even Sweden is considering joining the Alliance. In this regard, Swedish PM Magdalena Andersson met her Finnish counterpart to boost bilateral security cooperation and discuss NATO membership on March 5.
Russia, however, has warned both Finland and Sweden of “military-political consequences” if they join the alliance.