Today is a historic day for Finland.
Today Finland joins NATO as its 31st member. Its entry has been approved by all 30 member states..
The significance of this cannot be overstated.
The memories of fighting alone against the Soviet Union in 1939-40 can finally be laid to rest. For the first time in its history, Finland is not alone.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced the Finns to rethink their national security. Seventy years of non-alignment were re-evaluated in light of the actions of the eastern neighbor, the ancient enemy. Hopes nurtured over decades that Russia had become a trustworthy neighbor were dashed for good. The long-standing desire of the majority of Finns to stay neutral was no longer a safe option for the nation.
As a result, public opinion underwent a massive and unprecedented swing in favor of NATO membership. Under the skilled leadership of President Niinistö and Prime Minister Marin, Finland navigated its way to full NATO membership.
And now, in the words of the Finlandia Hymn by Jean Sibelius:
Oi nouse, Suomi, sinun päiväs koittaa (Oh Finland, rise, your new dawn is breaking)
Today this beloved hymn, sung throughout the dark days of the Winter War, rings true and clear in the voice of a sovereign nation free to join whatever alliances and agreements it chooses to join.
Long live the new Finland.
Today is a historic day for Finland.
Ulla Jordan 