Germany welcomes Finland’s accession to Nato

Brussels (dpa) – Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has described Finland’s accession to Nato as “a day of joy”. “Nato will become stronger with Finland,” she said at a meeting of Nato foreign ministers in Brussels. “Finland will gain additional security. And we at Nato are gaining a strong partner at our side.” She regrets however that Sweden was unable to join at the same time. Finland was officially accepted into Nato on Tuesday. Against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the country had applied last May, together with Sweden, for membership in the military alliance. So far, Sweden’s accession has been blocked by the alliance members Turkey and Hungary.