Finland Joins NATO as 31st Member – UK Pushes Sweden’s Fast-Track Entry
The Foreign Secretary touched down in Brussels today for a landmark NATO summit marking Finland’s historic entry into the alliance. This two-day meeting coincides with the 74th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty, the foundation of NATO’s peace mission post-World War II.
Finland’s Flag Raised, Seat Taken
After months of anticipation, Finland officially joined NATO, becoming its 31st member. The Finnish flag was raised at NATO Headquarters, and Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto took his rightful seat between Estonia and France. Barely 13 months ago, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine was expected to divide NATO. Instead, the alliance is stronger, united in defending freedom and the rule of law.
UK Leads Charge for Sweden’s Fast-Track Accession
- The UK was among the first to ratify Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO bids.
- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is urging Turkey and Hungary to expedite Sweden’s membership approval.
- Meetings are underway with Turkish and Hungarian counterparts to push for a swift resolution.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This is an historic day for Finland and for NATO. Their accession has made our Alliance stronger and every one of us safer. All NATO members now need to take the steps necessary to admit Sweden too, so we can stand together as one Alliance to defend freedom in Europe and across the world.”
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “Today will go into the history books for NATO as a defensive Alliance. 31 countries strong, we welcome Finland to the table. Russia thought its aggression would divide us. Instead, we are bound tighter together, resolute in our defence of the principles of freedom and the rule of law. Let us be clear that our door remains open. We will welcome further Allies with open arms and we continue to push for Sweden’s swift accession.”
Backing Ukraine and Battling Russian Threats
Ukraine remains a top priority for NATO Allies. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba attended the talks, with a united focus on delivering a just peace — on Ukraine’s terms.
The UK announced a £10 million boost to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package, supplying urgent non-lethal aid such as medical gear, rations, fuel, and counter-drone technology to Ukraine. An extra £2 million will support Georgia, Moldova, and Bosnia & Herzegovina to stand firm against Russian malign activity.
The UK’s support to Ukraine has now topped £6.5 billion, including military, humanitarian, and economic aid. Recently, Ukrainian soldiers completed training on UK-donated Challenger 2 tanks, delivering a major boost to Ukraine’s frontline capabilities.
Global Partnership and High-Level Talks
NATO’s Asia-Pacific partners — Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea — joined a session to discuss challenges posed by China.
Foreign Secretary Cleverly also met with Finland’s Pekka Haavisto, Sweden’s Tobias Billström, and Ukraine’s Dmytro Kuleba to personally congratulate Finland and reinforce commitments to alliance unity and security.
