In Finland, NATO was offered to place its base near the border with Russia, namely on the territory of South Karelia. This initiative has been discussed for a long time, writes the Finnish publication Yle.
If necessary, the city of Lappeenranta will be ready to offer its airport as a NATO base – “It is certainly available if the defense forces want it,” the publication writes.
The city of Lappeenranta has not discussed with the defense forces what investments a possible NATO membership would bring, but in principle the city perceives them positively.
The city of Lappeenranta aims to get as much benefit as possible from Finland’s accession to NATO. Lappeenranta’s policy makers and civil servants have hinted at the hope that a NATO base could even be established after membership in Lappeenranta.
The mayor of Lappeenranta, Kimmo Järva, says that the idea was born when the debate about joining NATO was revived, and also because South Karelia is located on the border between Europe and Russia.
There was no defense policy discussion on this issue, nor was there any discussion with the defense forces. However, the city of Lappeenranta hopes that the defense forces will invest in South Karelia with NATO membership.
– I was thinking, for example, about the airport. This is of course available if the defense forces so desire. And what is the location of the ground school and the defense forces – whether there will be any changes, I cannot say, since I am a layman, – thinks Yarva.
According to Kimmo Järva, the progress of NATO membership has given hope to all of South Karelia. For example, it creates a sense of security and trust in companies.
– For example, companies believe that this is a stable environment. After all, it’s always been that way, but it brings a sense of security and can help drive investment in the area, Jarva says.
He believes that the war in Ukraine will one day end and ordinary people will move to the eastern border again.
– Membership in NATO does not hinder the movement of ordinary people, when everything will settle down differently at first, Jarva hopes.
Finland’s entry into NATO: what is known
- Before Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine, Sweden and Finland were non-aligned countries and maintained neutral status. However, after the invasion, both countries decided to join the Alliance.
- Access to NATO was blocked by Turkey. All because of the Scandinavian countries’ support of Kurdish organizations that Ankara considers terrorist.
- However, during the NATO summit in Madrid, Sweden, Finland and Turkey signed a compromise agreement.
- Later, Sweden and Finland were officially invited to become NATO members. The admission protocol will be signed on July 5.
