Announcement by Turkey and Hungary of their intention to ratify Finland’s accession protocol to NATO (17 March 2023)

Statement by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs spokesperson

The announcement by Turkey and then Hungary of their intention to proceed with ratification of Finland’s accession protocol to NATO is an important signal which France welcomes and calls to be translated into action as soon as possible.

France has, since they expressed it, supported Sweden and Finland’s decision to join the Atlantic Alliance, jointly and without delay. The two countries have significant military capabilities that are interoperable with NATO. Their membership will therefore contribute significantly to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area and of the allies.

Now that war has returned to European soil, strengthening the Atlantic Alliance is in the interest of all its members. France therefore expects Turkey and Hungary also to ratify Sweden’s accession protocol without further delay, so that NATO can welcome the two new allies to the Vilnius summit in July 2023.

Originally published at https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/security-disarmament-and-non-proliferation/news/2023/article/announcement-by-turkey-and-hungary-of-their-intention-to-ratify-finland-s

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