The government has given its approval to its new report on security and defence policy. On the NATO question, the text notes: “There continue to be some strong reasons to consider Finnish membership in NATO”. The previous report, from four years ago, said: “Applying for NATO membership remains a possibility for Finland in the future as well”.
Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen insisted that the new wording does not mean a change in policy. “The NATO option remains open. It will not be closed, but it will also not be activated now”, Vanhanen said.
However, there are differences in emphasis in the interpretations that have been put on the report by various ministers.
Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb feels that the report puts emphasis on strong reasons to consider Finnish membership, which was not the case in the previous one.
The report notes that a decision on joining NATO would require extensive political agreement, and that public opinion also needs to be considered.
President Pleased with Language
President Tarja Halonen is happy with the final result.
“We have been of the opinion that we need to have this kind of option, a possibility if we want to apply for membership. After all, NATO is the one that makes the decision. But it (the membership application) was not considered topical, and in that respect I do not think that there is anything new”, Halonen said.
Halonen reportedly followed the preparation of the report with the idea that it should include no hidden messages promoting NATO membership. The Centre Party insisted that the report also evaluate disadvantages of NATO membership.
The report notes that present threats against security often cross borders and have extensive effects. Such threats include climate change and flu epidemics. Also seen as serious security threats are the availability of energy and natural resources, as well as food shortages.
Military threats are also seen as topical, and the use of military force in Georgia is reflected in the security thinking in areas near Finland. However, Finland is not seen to face military pressure or use of force outside a wider international conflict.
Watch on Developments in Russia
Finland is to work to prevent threats, mainly through diplomacy and networking, but national preparation and a credible defence are also seen to be important. Participation in international crisis management will grow stronger.
Developments in Russia, the key factor affecting Finland’s security environment, will be followed, and trade and tourism between the countries are to be supported.
The European Union is mentioned as an important channel of influence for Finland, and a fundamental security policy choice.