Berlin: The German government has approved a document on the ratification of the protocol on Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO, German cabinet spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said on Friday.
“The government agreed today to a document on the Bundestag draft law on the protocol of the North Atlantic Treaty, that is, on the membership of the two Nordic states. This marks the beginning of the preparation of a protocol for the accession of Finland and Sweden (to NATO),” Hebestreit told a briefing.
The move seeks to convey a message of support for Finland and Sweden joining the alliance as well as to indicate Germany’s willingness to fast-track NATO enlargement, he noted.
“With both countries, we will gain valuable and strong allies that will further strengthen the alliance,” Hebestreit added.
Before Sweden and Finland become the full-fledged members of the alliance, all 30 NATO member states must ratify the protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty.
