Sweden and Finland should join NATO “as soon as possible” and “their membership will strengthen the collective security of Europe,” British Foreign Secretary Lis Truss said in a statement on Monday.
“The UK strongly supports Finnish and Swedish NATO membership applications. They should join the alliance as soon as possible. Their entry will enhance the collective security of Europe,” Truss said.
“The UK looks forward to working with them as new NATO allies and is ready to extend all our assistance to them during the integration process,” the Minister explained.
Sweden on Monday confirmed that it would follow in Finland’s footsteps and recognize the historic turning point for the two countries as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and apply for NATO membership.
France, for its part, declared that it would “be on the side of Sweden and Finland” in the event of an attack.
“Any government that seeks to test European unity by threatening or attacking its sovereignty in any way must be sure that France will support Finland and Sweden,” the French president wrote in a statement.
“France reaffirms its commitment to Article 42.7 of the EU Agreement and is ready to strengthen defense and security cooperation with these two allies through high-level strategic consultations and enhanced military ties,” he added.
Section 42.7 of the Lisbon Treaty is a mutual protection rule between EU member states.
Russia has accused Sweden and Finland of joining NATO, saying it was a mistake to undermine the security of the European continent.
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