The Bill on Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO passed its first reading in the Riigikogu

NordenBladet —

The Bill on the approval of protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty on the accession of Finland and Sweden passed its first reading at the first sitting of the extraordinary session of the Riigikogu today. The second reading of the Bill is scheduled for the sitting Riigikogu starting at 3.30 p.m. today.

Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology Andres Sutt, acting as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said before the Riigikogu that the last two weeks of June, when Ukraine together with Moldova was given the status of candidate country of the European Union and Georgia a clear EU perspective, and historical decisions were adopted at the summit of NATO leaders in Madrid, would stand out in the history of the world.

He pointed out that by inviting Finland and Sweden to join, NATO had opened its doors for the seventh time since the end of the Cold War. “It is in Estonia’s interests that Finland and Sweden join NATO quickly and that both countries integrate smoothly into the political and military structures of NATO. I assure you that NATO’s doors will remail open also to other countries, including Ukraine, and no third country, least of all Russia, can decide who will join NATO and who will not,” he said.

In Sutt’s opinion, Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO will directly strengthen Estonia’s security. “Naturally, this enlargement will not solve all security concerns of Estonia and all three Baltic states. It is clear that the ongoing work within NATO to enhance the security situation of Estonia and our region will continue. It is important to swiftly implement the decisions taken at the Madrid Summit, and today’s ratification is part of this,” he said, and asked the Riigikogu to make a historical decision and vote for the approval of the NATO Accession Protocols with Finland and Sweden. “It is entirely appropriate that Estonia should be among the first countries to complete this process. As a symbol, it is very meaningful and sets an example for other acceding countries. After all, Finland and Sweden are our neighbours and like-minded countries, and we share a long history.

During the debate, Leo Kunnas from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction, Mihhail Lotman from Faction Isamaa, Enn Eesmaa from the Centre Party Faction, and Indrek Saar from the Social Democratic Party Faction took the floor.

According to the Bill on Approval of Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty on the Accession of the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden (643 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic, the Riigikogu approves the protocols that regulate Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty. The permanent representatives of NATO member states signed the accession protocols in Brussels on 5 July. After signing, NATO’s member states have to approve the protocols according to their national legislation.

The second reading of the Bill will take place at the second sitting of the extraordinary session that starts two hours after the end of the first sitting. At the second sitting, a representative of the foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu will present a report and members of the Riigikogu may each pose up to two oral questions to the presenter. After that, a debate will be held, where all members of the Riigikogu may participate, and after possible motions to amend are reviewed, the final vote on the Bill will be held. A majority vote of the members of the Riigikogu will be needed for the Act to be passed.

Upon the entry into force of the protocols, NATO Secretary General will communicate to Finland and Sweden a formal accession invitation. During the accession negotiations and ratification process, Finland and Sweden have a special status of an observer, which means a position similar to that of the allies, but without the right to vote. For the period between the accession invitation and accession, both countries have received defence guarantees from the US, the UK, France, Germany and the Nordic Countries that cover joint defence activities, including exercises.

According to the explanatory memorandum to the Bill, Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO will enhance security in the North Atlantic region and contribute to a united, free, democratic and peaceful Europe. It will also significantly strengthen the security situation of Estonia and the whole Baltic Sea region.

The sitting ended at 1.32 p.m.

Source: Parliament of Estonia



Advertisement:




High quality & nature friendly luxury cosmetics from Scandinavia - ElishevaShoshana.com


Copyright © NordenBladet 2008-2022 All Rights Reserved.
Scandinavian / Nordic news and info in English.
Nordic News Service & Link Directory