Finland's 🇫🇮 impact on NATO

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, against the backdrop of its illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, changed the security landscape in Europe and acted as a catalyst for Finland’s accession to NATO. After 30 years of close partnership with NATO, Finland joined the Alliance as a new member in April 2023.

With its geographic proximity to Russia, Finland shares a 1,300-km border with Russia and has a history of facing Russian aggression. Russia’s unprovoked and brutal full-scale war on Ukraine got Finland to rethink its defence strategy, and abandon its policy of military non-alignment. While Finland now benefits from the protection of NATO membership and the collective defence clause (“one for all, all for one”) under Article 5 of NATO’s founding treaty (also called the Washington Treaty), Finland’s membership also strengthens NATO’s collective deterrence and defence and the security of the Euro-Atlantic area.

Despite having a small population of 5.5 million, Finland has an impressive wartime strength of 280,000 military personnel, and that is due to its comprehensive conscription service. The country also counts on strong artillery capabilities, a fleet of modern fighter jets, powerful mine hunting capabilities at sea and much more.

Finland is also situated in a potentially vulnerable area, including both the High North and the Baltic Sea, regions of high strategic importance. In this video, we look at what NATO membership means for Finland, and how the country contributes to the security of our Alliance.

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[drewsteps]

I moved to Finland this year and became resident for work and studies, and the Finns are a proud, strong, and resilient people. Unfortunately, most of the Europe never notices how amazing Finland is, since it's not a common travel destination compared to other countries in Europe. But Finland is a beautiful country, a rich culture of sauna and sisu, and the warmest friendliest people I've ever met. I've never been so proud to call this place "home".

[Qujiify]

Love to our Finnish brothers and sisters from Estonia! What a joy to have you in the alliance :)

[OperatorDrewski]

Finland has some of the coolest gamers I know. + rep

[catalinacurio]

Finnish people are as hard as nails, combined with their intelligence they are formidable. 🇫🇮

[lan.o]

I'm Swedish and I'm grateful for having Finland as a neighbor, and now part of NATO. Finland is the best neighbor one can have. I just wish that our politicians would realize that (most normal Swedes understand it). Sweden can learn a lot from Finland and I wish that we would help Finland more with border patrols and other things that they would appreciate.

[Michael-pegh]

Great to have you Finland🇫🇮 We are stronger together💪 #NATO - Greetings from Czechia🇨🇿

[maxhugen]

Great to have Finland on board with NATO, from a NATO "global partner” - Australia. 👍🇦🇺
🇫🇮 🇫🇮 💪 🇫🇮 🇫🇮

[ramunasrackauskas]

Lithuanian here and personally i really appreciate Finland joining Nato because it does make me feel safer having strong friend around. Long Live Finland !!! Greeting From Lithuania LT🤜🤛FI💪

[thepolishirishman]

The fighting spirit of the Finns in defence of their homeland is nearly unmatched. An honor to have them on board 🇵🇱🇫🇮

[bjorn]

As a Dane, it’s a pleasure to welcome our Nordic brothers and sisters into NATO! I’ve worked with many Finns and Swedes in my life and have nothing but love and respect for our great neighbours! Now we finally fight side by side!

[whatsgoingon]

Love to Finland! No better friend, no worse enemy. 🇫🇮🇪🇺🇩🇪

[newtoniantime]

Heja Finland! Våra kära bröder och systrar på andra sidan Östersjön! Kippis suomalaiselle sisulle!
Greetings from Sweden

[dennismatsson]

Brothers in arms! Finland is GOATed! Love from Sweden

[kittymervine]

I go to the local Finnish Fair every year. Every single Finnish person, even those in the US, are incredible. They are all outdoors people, they love fishing and hunting. They are always ready for winter here, and always help their neighbors. But, above all, they are proud of where they have come from, and love to share their heritage and culture. Finnish bread is especially GOOD.

[WeserBlitzEU]

As a Norwegian growing up during the cold war, I always hoped that the day would come when Sweden and Finland would join the alliance. It's now a dream come true that we will finally have a joint nordic defence with Finland and Sweden joining NATO. Finally our brothers and sisters in all the nordic countries will stand up and fight as one integrated defence force against any potential aggressor(s). We all know how capable the Finnish military is, and its proud, brave history standing up to the USSR during the winter war and continuation war! I am really thankful! Big hugs from Norway ❤🤍💙

[milesskillman]

Respect to the Finnish people! Greetings from SD, USA!

[zenon]

Finland is a beautiful country with incredibly friendly people...and they certainly know what it means to successfully defend against an invasion from the east...they will be a great asset to Nato! Welcome!

[bonedust]

Great to have Finland in NATO. Welcome from Canada.

[nilocblue]

As a Canadian I’m very proud to have Finland as an ally. We love playing Hockey against you, but we love fighting alongside you too in the real world. 🇫🇮 🇨🇦

[jasongibson]

The Finns are very nice people and tough as nails as well. I'm glad they have joined Nato. Greetings and godspeed from Texas U.S.