“Norway welcomes Sweden’s and Finland’s decision to apply for NATO membership. NATO is a defense alliance. The Nordic countries do not pose a threat to anyone. Swedish and Finnish membership will strengthen the security framework and will benefit the alliance as a whole, said Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.

Finland and Sweden applied for membership in NATO on 18 May. Following the Alliance’s accession talks, the NATO Ambassadors will sign the accession protocols of Finland and Sweden. Thereafter, the National Assemblies of all 30 NATO member countries must approve Finnish and Swedish membership.

«In Norway, this means that the Storting must consent to ratification. I am pleased that we can present this proposition today and ask for the Storting’s consent to ratify the NATO accession protocols for Finland and Sweden, Huitfeldt said.

The security of Finland and Sweden is important for our security. Rapid ratification is in Norway’s security policy interests. The Government therefore requests the prior consent of the Storting, before NATO member countries have signed the Accession Protocols.

“I really appreciate that the parties in the Storting have clearly expressed their support for a quick process as well. Finnish and Swedish membership in NATO will be an advantage for NATO, the Nordic countries and Norway, Huitfeldt said.

Royal Decree on ratification of Finland’s and Sweden’s accession protocols was approved by the King in Council on Friday 20. May. This means that Norway is ready to sign the accession protocols as soon as NATO has concluded the accession talks with the two countries.