“Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO membership will significantly strengthen the Alliance and increase the security and stability of the Baltic Sea region. It is also a clear signal to Russia that the Russian military threat to the region is taken seriously and NATO is the only and a reliable collective defence Alliance,” says Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
On July 20 the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania ratified NATO membership of Finland and Sweden after submission of the decree on the Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty ratification from President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda. The ratification has to be completed at all parliaments of NATO Allies.
According to Minister A. Anušauskas, NATO members of Finland and Sweden is vital to Lithuania in terms of both, deterrence and defence. It will make cooperation with the two countries closer and exercises – more wide-ranging.
“More NATO in the region – more security to Lithuania. Finland’s and Sweden’s membership will strengthen deterrence in the Baltic Sea region in peacetime and in crisis,” says A. Anušauskas.
Finland and Sweden have developed military capabilities, their air and maritime power will particularly increase the security of the Baltic Sea region. A. Anušauskas is certain that the Finish and Swedish militaries will have a significant impact in ensuring regional security.
“Involvement of such strong armed forces in collective defence will significantly contribute to regional defence – and security of the Baltic states and Lithuania with it,” Minister says.
NATO Partners since 1994, Finland and Sweden officially applied for NATO membership on May 18 earlier this year thus responding to the changes in the security environment brought about by Russia’s war against Ukraine. Both countries were officially invited to become members of the Alliance at the NATO Summit in Madrid in June.
