On May 17, Parliament adopted an opinion on government reports on the changing security environment and Finland’s application to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO.
‘Never again alone!’ This phrase coined by Finnish general Adolf Ehrenrooth, who served during Winter and Continuation Wars, was repeatedly featured in speeches by the members of Parliament in favor of joining NATO. In the picture, Parliament Building on May 16, 2022. Photograph: TONY ÖHBERG/FINLAND TODAY
Finnish Parliament is in favor of Finland joining NATO with a vote 188-8. The Parliament voted late on Tuesday afternoon.
In the past few days, a total of 212 speeches were heard in the Plenary Hall. The debate lasted over 14 hours.
On Tuesday, the handing on the NATO matter continued with a single reading based on the Foreign Affairs Committee report, which was presented by Jussi Halla-aho (the Finns Party), who serves as the chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee. Halla-aho pictured on May 17, 2022. Photograph: TONY ÖHBERG/FINLAND TODAY
In the spring of 2022, Parliament handled two government reports on the changing security environment and foreign policy situation. The referral debate of the first government report (Report on Changes in the Security Environment) took place on April 20.
The referral debate of the second government report (Report on Finland’s Accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) took place on May 16.
Speaker of Parliament Matti Vanhanen (the Centre) at the plenary session on May 17, 2022. Photograph: TONY ÖHBERG/FINLAND TODAY
Parliament will notify the government of its opinion in a parliamentary communication which is signed by Matti Vanhanen (the Centre), the speaker of Parliament.
Following parliamentary consideration, President Sauli Niinistö, based on a proposal presented by the government, can decide on Finland’s aspirations to initiate accession talks to NATO.
