Watch: Sweden and Finland are moving closer to NATO. But what are the steps to join?

The process to join the alliance relies heavily on the political appetite of member states.

"Watch: Sweden and Finland are moving closer to NATO. But what are the steps to join?"

Sweden and Finland, two traditionally non-aligned countries, are moving decisively closer to joining NATO, a step that, if approved, would put an end to their neutrality status and open a new chapter in the alliance's eastward expansion.

The Nordic U-turn comes barely two months after Russia launched the invasion of Ukraine and forever changed the continent's balance of powers.

"We have to really think through what is best for Sweden and our security and our peace in this new situation," said Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson in a recent joint press conference with her Finnish counterpart, Sanna Marin.

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[euronews]

Sweden and Finland, two traditionally non-aligned countries, are moving decisively closer to joining NATO, a step that, if approved, would put an end to their neutrality status and open a new chapter in the alliance's eastward expansion.

[theraiderra]

Finland have defended itself from Russia before, they remember what the Russians did the last time.

[mutkaluikkunen]

The support for NATO among Finnish politicians and parties is so strong right now, that Finland is pretty much guaranteed to leave an application.

[АндрейДенисов-ьр]

Looks like Finland and Sweden "suffered" a lot from Russia during their neutrality...

[gustavnordin]

"We" forget - I am here too.? No joke!

[jeffreyd]

Why join nato? Apparently they will defend you if you're not a member, so why pay into it

[mirekslechta]

REASONS A G A I N S T joining NATO : 1) Joining NATO means to serve as a target for Russia´s or China´s strategic nuclear missilles all the time in future, certainly not just untill Ukraine war would end. 2) USA may back off in case of nuclear war in Europe to save hundreds of their cities- than NATO would loose nuclear war in Europe. 3) USA would appreciate every new NATO land(Finland) to absorb some of Russia´s nukes, which otherwice would probably explode above USA´s cities in case of nuclear war between USA and Russia... 4) Finland managed alone in past, could manage in future. It is still far better option than to be incenereted instead of some USA´s cities one day...USA likes to be nuclear armed nation, on the other hand they can not defend themself against Russia´s nuclear forces, let alone to defend Europe against it! Finland would better to rely on Finish defensive means and not to mess with counting on USA and kind of stand up against nuclear superpowers like Russia and China to "fight" them one day... To "fight" them means- to absorb some of nukes which would otherwise explode above USA´cities very harmlessly for Finland.... 5) Joining NATO is the way how to assure the tottal destructin to Finland during a nuclear war between USA and Russia, or even between European NATO members and Russia... 6) If anybody thinks that USA is a morally "OK" NATO leader- kind of a "good guy", than please try to google: "USA drone strikes" . You will find horrible crimes committed by USA on civilians including children in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen an other third world countries... 7) Pro NATO propaganda sounds like this: „No NATO country has ever been invaded. “ Russia has not been invaded either. It certainly does not prove, that NATO and Russia will not destroy each other one day without any invasion. 8) In case of nuclear war the destruction would be gruesome, but also very limited geographically to states involved. Joining NATO is possibly signing of a completely unnecesarry death sentence, since it is signing of being targeted by SATTAN II and more of similar machines instead of some USA´s mainland.

[elisoni]

Finland will be remembered as happiest country.

[andreaaltan]

People don't learn from others' mistakes

[gustavnordin]

I'm remarkably human. Personally I like all my body parts intact. I'm sure no -one wants their country shelled?

[jeetsahu]

In only those mid steps russia will first make a small attack, as then finland would not be able to join nato

[blockheadivthewise]

Polls are notoriously inaccurate and manipulable. When all is said and done Finland will be remembered as the country whose living standards declined because it allowed NATO lobbyists and arm dealers to manipulate the young and inexperienced PM of Finland.

[АндрейДенисов-ьр]

I hope Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, and Turkey will veto Finland's NATO application.