Научно-аналитический вестник Института Европы РАН (Apr 2022)
SWEDISH AND FINNISH NEUTRALITY. IN THE PAST?
Abstract
The article analyzes the problem of changes in the foreign policy of Sweden and Finland related to the alleged rejection of neutrality and the accession of these countries to NATO. These changes, which previously had a theoretical, eventual character, have recently gained practical expression, especially after the start of the military operation of Russian troops in Ukraine. The decision is expected to be made within a month. The opponents to it, such as the Swedish Social Democrats, are losing their positions. But there are still issues that will require additional approvals in any case. Firstly, in Finland and Sweden, joining NATO is seen as a simultaneous action, but there are noticeable nuances in the international situation of these countries (for example, the absence or presence of borders with the Russian Federation) that may require more in-depth study. Secondly, both countries, when joining the North Atlantic Alliance, assume to achieve the preservation of some attributes of the former state, in particular, not the deployment of weapons of mass destruction on their territory. The decision on applying for membership is scheduled for the end of May, in case of a positive answer, various procedural issues will be resolved, which take up to two years. During this time, a lot can change in the world of politics, but the trend towards the consolidation of the West, which includes the named countries of Northern Europe, will probably continue
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