In early 2022, the conflict in Ukraine prompted significant discussions regarding Finland’s NATO membership. Prime Minister Sanna Marin expressed her shock during a conversation with President Sauli Niinistö about the nation’s position on NATO. This reaction was documented in Marin’s recent book, where she indicates that she believed Finland needed to join NATO swiftly due to Russia’s aggression.
Key Discussions on Finland’s NATO Membership
In late February 2022, a few days after Russia began its military action in Ukraine, Marin reached out to Niinistö. She argued that Finland could no longer postpone its NATO membership. However, Niinistö remarked that discussions regarding NATO should be the parliament’s prerogative, which shocked Marin into silence.
Concerns About NATO’s Process
Marin expressed her concern over the complexities involved in pursuing NATO membership if all institutions were not entirely committed. She believed the president and government needed to collaborate with parliament, as it would ultimately decide on membership.
In her book, Marin reflects on how the president hesitated on NATO membership until early March, noting that Niinistö aimed to avoid expressing a definitive stance too early. This hesitation led to questions about how committed the leadership was to the NATO process.
Reactions and Developments
When asked about Marin’s claims, Niinistö noted he did not recall the specific conversation but did not dispute Marin’s recollection. He emphasized the importance of allowing parliament to deliberate and reach a decision about NATO membership.
- February 24, 2022: Niinistö highlighted parliament’s role in NATO discussions.
- March 2, 2022: Niinistö consulted with parliamentary leaders, fostering a collaborative atmosphere for the NATO process.
- March 3, 2022: Niinistö met with U.S. President Joe Biden, who supported Finland’s decision-making regarding NATO.
Finalizing the NATO Application
Despite initial disagreements, Marin noted that the process clarified as discussions progressed. By early March, there was a shift in sentiment towards pursuing NATO membership collectively. Marin managed to unify perspectives, ensuring that all parties remained committed to the decision-making process.
Reflecting on the events, Marin concluded that the NATO membership process turned out to be a significant achievement, crediting Niinistö for his partnership throughout this historic journey.
