Defense policy The citizens’ initiative on Finland’s NATO membership has collected more than 50,000 signatures

Homeland|Defense policy

Citizens’ initiativewhich calls for a consultative referendum on Finland’s membership of NATO, is exceeded 50,000 signature limit.

“We believe that membership in NATO would strengthen the current situation in a legally binding manner and significantly enhance Finland’s ability to defend itself against external threats,” the presentation of the initiative says.

“The defense obligation guaranteed by Article 5 of the NATO Treaty would significantly enhance the credibility of Finland’s defense and would make military technical influence by foreign powers much more expensive and risky than it is today.”

Citizens’ Initiative According to the arguments, Finland’s membership in NATO would also be in the interests of other NATO countries, as Finland’s credible defense would add more weight to NATO’s deterrent effect.

According to the presentation of the initiative, Finland fulfills all the conditions for membership of the military alliance, in addition to which its member states have already expressed their sympathy for Finland’s membership.

“We believe that the heightened security situation requires a decision on NATO membership that respects the democratic will of the people.”

The citizens’ initiative was launched on Monday.