Finland is seeking to establish a Nato ground force sub-headquarters on its soil, said Finnish President Alexander Stubb at a press conference during his state visit in Tartu, Estonia.
This would mean that Finland could possibly also host Nato FLF (Forward Land Forces).
Finland, Sweden and Denmark are currently under the Regional Operations Command in Brunssum, the Netherlands, but Stubb said that Finland wants to be in the Norfolk group, with Norway and Iceland.
The comment raised some eyebrows in Estonia, where Finland is being seen as taking a step away from Estonia and towards the Scandinavian countries.
Stubb denied the criticism and said that the decision was based on military structures and synergies.
The president said he hoped that a common vision on critical infrastructure would emerge among the neighbouring countries. He added it would be important to agree on what critical infrastructure is and how to repair it if necessary.
Stubb also allayed fears that part of the Russian minority in Finland was becoming radicalised.
The president and his spouse, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, began a three-day state visit to Estonia on Monday. On Tuesday, they visited a memorial to Estonians who fought on behalf of Finland in the Winter War before arriving in Tartu, where they were greeted by the public.
Correction 29.5: Sweden and Denmark are also under Brunssum command.
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