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Why Sweden and Finland joined NATO
GZERO Europe

Why Sweden and Finland joined NATO

Was the Swedish and Finnish decision to move into NATO, was that driven by fear of Russia attacking them? Carl Bildt, former prime minister of Sweden, shares his perspective on European politics from Hanoi, Vietnam.

Presidential candidates Alexander Stubb and Pekka Haavisto attend a debate on Feb. 1, 2024.
What We're Watching

Finland heads to the polls

Voters in Finland will choose their new president on Sunday. The president controls military and security policy – a significant position since Finland joined NATO last year in response to its neighbor Russia invading Ukraine.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Trump Tower, after his indictment by a Manhattan grand jury following a probe into hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, in New York City, U.S April 3, 2023.
Europe

What We’re Watching: Trump’s day in court, Turkey stuffing Sweden, Egypt buddying up

Trump’s arraignment; Turkey keeps stuffing Sweden — why?; a battered Egypt searches for friends

Swedish NATO bid caught in Erdoğan reelection effort
GZERO Europe

Swedish NATO bid caught in Erdoğan reelection effort

How is the process of accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO going? What’s happening in the Mediterranean with refugees? Carl Bildt, former prime minister of Sweden, shares his perspective from Stockholm, Sweden.

Finland's PM Sanna Marin at news conference in Stockholm, Sweden, February 2, 2023.
News

Finland’s next step

This is a big moment for Finland.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses via video link the 26th Annual Economist Government Roundtable in Lagonisi, Greece.
News

What We're Watching: Ukraine tackles corruption, Nordics-Turkey NATO drama

Ukraine sacks officials over graft, Nordics-Turkey NATO soap opera continues

Should Ukraine be offered NATO membership?
GZERO World Clips

Should Ukraine be offered NATO membership?

Finnish leaders know how to have a good time, which is probably why Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto recently sat down with GZERO’s Ian Bremmer to discuss Finland’s NATO ascension. Threats from the Kremlin had kept Finland (and Sweden) from joining the alliance for 75 years. But the invasion of Ukraine changed all that. In May, Finland’s long-serving President Sauli Niinistö rang his old friend, Vladimir Putin, who doesn't seem to be worried about Finland. Finns can see Russia moving its military away from their border, presumably to beef up reinforcements on the frontlines of Ukraine. But that doesn’t mean ascension to NATO has been smooth sailing.

Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto sits for an interview with GZERO World
News

Why Finland’s top diplomat is proud of EU's response to Russia

Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto recently sat down with GZERO’s Ian Bremmer to discuss Finland’s NATO ascension, the Ukrainian bid to join, and the consideration of future membership bids.

Finland “investing in security and stability” with NATO push
Crisis Recovery

Finland “investing in security and stability” with NATO push

Kai Sauer, Finland’s Undersecretary of State for Foreign Security Policy, told GZERO Media that as Finland awaits NATO membership his nation is already contributing to the alliance. “We are a security provider. We are investing in stability and security in our region,” Sauer said. “We are bringing a lot of capabilities to the alliance. So, it's in everybody's interest, also in Turkey's interest, that Finland and Sweden will become members.”

Finland’s NATO membership hopes
GZERO World Clips

Finland’s NATO membership hopes

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has pushed long-neutral Finland into openly embracing NATO, which would not go down well in Moscow. Still, former PM Alexander Stubb tells Ian Bremmer that "we Finns are pretty calm, cool and collected" and that the response to Vladimir Putin should be that we understand your issues, but "we are a sovereign, independent nation-state and take our own security [and] political decisions."