EURO-ATLANTIC INTEGRATION OF FINLAND AND NORWAY: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The article provides a comparative analysis of the Euro-Atlantic integration carried out by Finland and Norway. The differences and similarities of the integration paths of the two countryes, the historical reasons for their choice, the pros and cons, as well as the immediate prospects for the integration policy in these states are considered. The article touches upon the issues of economic integration, military integration and their impact on relations with the Russian Federation. Finland and Norway are at different stages of integration processes due to historical conditions, as well as government decisions in the 20th century. In this regard, the question arises whether these countries could choose a different path of development and how their integration experience, which they acquired in different conditions and different time periods of history, correlates. Thus, Finland has a deeper economic integration into the European Union, and Norway has long-standing ties in the NATO military-political bloc. In addition, the article examines the impact of integration on relations between the studied countries and Russia. Particular attention is paid to changes in the politics and rhetoric of the Finns and Norwegians after the entry of Crimea into the Russian Federation and the start of the Special Military Operation in 2022.

Keywords

• finland
• norway
• scandinavia
• european union
• nato
• integration processes
• neutrality
• military security.