Minister of Defence Jyri Häkämies says Nato membership for Finland and Sweden translates into increased military security in the Nordic region and a common regional defence.
Speaking at the Atlantic Council of Finland on Tuesday, Häkämies said Nato membership would further the Nordics' position in the face of Russia's growing power. The Defence Minister believes Nato membership among the Nordics would lead to the Nordic states gaining collective influence within the alliance.
Nordics Have Strength in Numbers
With Denmark, Norway and Iceland already serving as Nato members, Häkämies says the joining of Finland and Sweden would make the Nordic bloc an influential force within the military alliance.
"Equipment procurement, cooperation in crisis management and common plans for regional defence would contribute to supporting Nordic military security," deems Häkämies.
Discussions on Finnish security policy have customarily assured that Finland independently manages its defence matters.
"As Nato members, Finland and Sweden could actively participate in the Nato-Russia Council. I would like to think that our experience, expertise and vast network in terms of Russia would be welcomed by Nato," says Häkämies.
Clear Savings with Nato Membership?
Häkämies believes Nato membership would also help Finland attain American military technology.
"Were all the Nordics to direct their procurements to the United States, there would surely be clear savings to be had," predicts Häkämies.
Häkämies moreover believes it would be an advantage for all Nordic countries to be members of the same institutions.
"In addition to Finland and Sweden joining Nato, it would also be an advantage for the Nordics were Norway and Iceland to join the European Union," says the Defence Minister.
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