On 17 May, Parliament adopted an opinion on government reports on the changing security environment and Finland's application to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Parliament agrees with the Government position that Finland must apply for a NATO membership. In addition, Parliament requires that the Government keeps it informed of the progress of the application process.
During the spring of 2022, Parliament handled two government reports on the changing security environment and foreign policy situation. The referral debate of the first government report (Report on Changes in the Security Environment) took place on 20 April.
The referral debate of the second government report (Report on Finland's Accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) took place on 16 May. The debate lasted for over 14 hours and it consisted of 212 speeches. At the end of the referral debate, the matter was sent to the Foreign Affairs Committee which prepared a report on both government reports.
Press release: Foreign Affairs Committee: Finland should apply for a NATO membership
Single reading on the basis of the committee report
The handling of the matter continued with a single reading on the basis of the Foreign Affairs Committee report. The report was presented by Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Jussi Halla-aho (Finns Party Parliamentary Group). He stated that Finland makes its security policy decisions to strengthen its security.
The presentation speech was followed by the parliamentary group speeches and debate. During the debate, MP Markus Mustajärvi (Left Alliance Parliamentary Group) supported by MP Johannes Yrttiaho (Left Alliance Parliamentary Group) proposed a motion differing from the committee report.
Parliament voted 188-8 in favour of the Foreign Affairs Committee report.
Parliamentary communication will be submitted to the Government
Parliament will notify the Government of its
opinion in a parliamentary communication which is signed by Speaker of Parliament. Following parliamentary consideration, the President of the Republic, on the basis of a proposal presented by the Government, can decide on Finland's aspirations to initiate accession talks.
Further information on the handling of the government reports on the changes in security environment.