01/03/2023 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 1 March, the Finnish Parliament approved a law authorising Finland’s entry into NATO with 184 votes in favour and 7 against. The Allies invited Finland and Sweden to join the Alliance at their Madrid summit last June. However, Hungary and Turkey have not yet ratified either country’s entry into NATO. “The vote is an important step on our way to NATO. Homeland security is a common problem”, said Finnish Defence Minister Antti Kaikkonen. The vote took place the day after NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Helsinki, where he reiterated that the completion of NATO membership for both countries was a priority. On Wednesday, the Hungarian Parliament began debating the issue ahead of a vote later this month. (CG)