NATO Secretary -General Jens Stoltenberg said that Finland and Sweden had officially applied to join the alliance in a move driven by security concerns from Russia's war in Ukraine.
Neutral throughout the Cold War, the two countries ’decision to join NATO was one of the most significant changes in Europe’s security architecture in decades.
Stoltenberg told reporters on Wednesday that he welcomed Finland and Sweden's request to join NATO and said the participation would further enhance common security.
The alliance considers that the participation of the two countries will strengthen its power in the Baltic Sea.
After formally submitting the application on Wednesday, it will then be considered by 30 member states which is expected to take about two weeks.
Even so, such considerations may face difficulties Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who said he doubts the membership of Finland and Sweden.
This is because the two countries have individuals linked to groups they consider terrorists and denounce arms export restrictions imposed on them after the 2019 Syrian invasion.
However, Jens Stoltenberg said his opinion was that the issue could be resolved.
