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Finland must submit its application to join NATO without delay.

This was stated at a joint press conference by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sana Marin, quoted by BTV. 

This is a major change in Finland's security policy since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Finland's decision to join NATO is pending

Finland, which has 1300 km.

border and a difficult past with Russia, gradually stepped up cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a partner after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, but refrained from joining in order to maintain friendly relations with its eastern neighbor.

Niinisto conducts Finland's foreign policy in cooperation with the government in accordance with the constitution, and his position is therefore considered decisive for the candidacy.

The government and parliament are expected to approve the decision soon.

NATO membership