The issue of NATO membership in the Finnish presidential election campaign
Komentarz ZBN nr 7 (31)/2018
10 marca 2018 r.
© 2018 Uniwersytet Jagielloński & Jan Niemiec
One of the hottest topics during the presidential campaign in Finland was the possibility of accession to NATO. Although the vast majority of candidates were against joining the organization, a debate between politicians and experts on the defence and security policy began. Proponents of deepening Helsinki's relationship with NATO will have to convince citizens of the benefits of the alliance. According to recent opinion polls, more than half of the Finnish population support maintaining the constitutional principle of neutrality. However, the situation may change in the near future. Especially if Russia will pursue an aggressive policy in the region. The newly elected Finnish president Sauli Niinistö announced that many alternatives to some changes in defense policy are taken into account. It should be noted that Sweden, as a strategic ally, will have an influence on Finland's decision in this matter.
<<<Full text [In Polish]>>>