Finnish parliament kicks off NATO entrance discussions

The Finnish parliament has begun discussing legislation on joining NATO, writes Yle.

According to the Finnish state-owned TV channel, the issue is being considered in the first reading amidst the decision of the Foreign Affairs Committee in favour of Helsinki's Atlantic ambitions.

Members of the parliament labelled the fact of consideration of the issue as historical. It is expected that the deputies will agree on joining NATO before the new elections to be held in the country on April 2.

At the same time, parliament needs a simple majority of votes to approve the relevant law.

According to the conclusion of the legal committee, the issue of joining NATO does not imply the transfer of serious powers to the alliance and therefore does not require the support of two-thirds of deputies.