The Nordic countries meet all the requirements and “will be net contributors to the Alliance,” the US president says
FILE PHOTO. United States President Joe Biden, July 11, 2022. © Global Look Press / Shawn Thew / Pool via CNP
US President Joe Biden submitted the protocols on the ascension of Sweden and Finland to NATO to the Senate on Monday, asking lawmakers to fast-track the ratification process.
In a written message to the Senate, the president said the two Nordic countries meet all of the requirements to join the alliance. Sweden and Finland “will be net contributors to the Alliance, in both capabilities and resources, and they share critically important values with the United States,” he argued, adding that their membership will help further Washington’s priorities within NATO.
Biden called on senators to ratify Sweden and Finland’s membership bids as soon as possible. “I ask the Senate to continue working with my Administration in advancing a strong and free Europe by providing its prompt advice and consent to ratification of the Protocols,” he wrote. “We are encouraging all Allies to act expeditiously in their own ratification processes as well, given current global considerations.”
In mid-May, Sweden and Finland formally applied to join NATO amid the Ukraine conflict, thereby breaking with decades-long traditions of neutrality. While most members welcomed the bids, they were stonewalled by Turkey, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing Sweden and Finland of promoting terrorism and supporting Kurdish militants.
Ankara later withdrew its objections after Sweden and Finland promised to respond to Turkey’s extradition requests, remove export controls, and end support for groups that Ankara views as terrorist.
In early July, NATO members signed the ascension protocols, which are due to be ratified by lawmakers from all nations that are part of the alliance.
