Minister Asselborn believes that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has significantly changed the public’s opinion in both Scandinavian countries. They now see NATO as a source for safety.
Read also:After Finland, Sweden to apply for NATO membership
The LSAP politician further believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin only has himself to blame, as he provoked the new NATO applications with his war in neighbouring Ukraine.
Nevertheless, new NATO applications need unanimous support, which means that Turkey still needs convincing. At the moment, President Erdogan is stalling matters.
The EU needs to assess whether new sanctions against Russia are required and necessary at this point in time. The next possible avenue would be a complete embargo on Russian oil, Asselborn said.
