29 ms·

In Helsinki

14 points by mitchbob 5y ago

rendall 5y ago
I think I didn't understand the point the article is trying to make. Finns are more open to NATO than before, but joining is a long way off? Was that what it was saying?
- T-A 5y ago
  The last paragraph suggests that Finland and Sweden are pointing to Article 42.7 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty as an alternative to NATO, with a view to "militarising the European Union". It's a silly argument, since no "EU Army" or some such currently exists, and will take years (at best) to create. The whole article looks strangely dated, as if it was written well before the claimed "March 31". It's evident to anyone who's been watching Finland's debate that the country is leaning heavily toward joining NATO, and will probably submit its application in June: https://yle.fi/news/3-12388118 https://yle.fi/news/3-12388118 https://yle.fi/news/3-12384116 https://yle.fi/news/3-12384116 https://yle.fi/news/3-12377853 https://yle.fi/news/3-12377853 https://yle.fi/news/3-12390279 https://yle.fi/news/3-12390279 https://yle.fi/news/3-12361370 https://yle.fi/news/3-12361370
  - rendall 5y ago
    That's why it confused me. President Niinistö has publicly discussed membership with NATO. https://yle.fi/news/3-12381821 https://yle.fi/news/3-12381821
- jpalomaki 5y ago
  It used to be long way off - but not anymore.
Gravityloss 5y ago
The article was extremely unclear. I'm a Finn. It goes roughly like this. Winter War - Soviet Union attacked Finland unprovoked in 1939 - After 105 days of fighting, peace was agreed - Finland had to cede some territory, including second biggest city Viipuri - also a Soviet military base on the southern coast, Hanko Continuation War - Germany attacked Soviet Union in 1941 - Soviet Union bombed Finland and Finland attacked Soviet Union - Finland troops advanced up to the great lakes Ladoga and Onega - Finland retreated towards the end of the war - In 1945 in the peace treaty Finland lost territories - also a Soviet military base in Kirkkonummi near Helsinki - Finland had to wage war against former supporter Germany in Lapland - This is called the War of Lapland Cold War - Finland was a free country, you could travel abroad freely etc - Finland didn't receive any Marshall aid - Soviet Union gave some pressure to Finland in various ways - Being neutral was walking a tightrope - This is what was called Finlandization - Finland nevertheless became very wealthy between 1945 and 1989 - Soviet Union trade was lucrative Breakup of Soviet Union - Since Soviet Union broke up, all treaties that were with it were thought expired

14 points by mitchbob 5y ago

I think I didn't understand the point the article is trying to make. Finns are more open to NATO than before, but joining is a long way off? Was that what it was saying?

T-A 5y ago
The last paragraph suggests that Finland and Sweden are pointing to Article 42.7 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty as an alternative to NATO, with a view to "militarising the European Union". It's a silly argument, since no "EU Army" or some such currently exists, and will take years (at best) to create. The whole article looks strangely dated, as if it was written well before the claimed "March 31". It's evident to anyone who's been watching Finland's debate that the country is leaning heavily toward joining NATO, and will probably submit its application in June: https://yle.fi/news/3-12388118 https://yle.fi/news/3-12388118 https://yle.fi/news/3-12384116 https://yle.fi/news/3-12384116 https://yle.fi/news/3-12377853 https://yle.fi/news/3-12377853 https://yle.fi/news/3-12390279 https://yle.fi/news/3-12390279 https://yle.fi/news/3-12361370 https://yle.fi/news/3-12361370
- rendall 5y ago
  That's why it confused me. President Niinistö has publicly discussed membership with NATO. https://yle.fi/news/3-12381821 https://yle.fi/news/3-12381821
jpalomaki 5y ago
It used to be long way off - but not anymore.

Gravityloss 5y ago

The article was extremely unclear. I'm a Finn. It goes roughly like this. Winter War - Soviet Union attacked Finland unprovoked in 1939 - After 105 days of fighting, peace was agreed - Finland had to cede some territory, including second biggest city Viipuri - also a Soviet military base on the southern coast, Hanko Continuation War - Germany attacked Soviet Union in 1941 - Soviet Union bombed Finland and Finland attacked Soviet Union - Finland troops advanced up to the great lakes Ladoga and Onega - Finland retreated towards the end of the war - In 1945 in the peace treaty Finland lost territories - also a Soviet military base in Kirkkonummi near Helsinki - Finland had to wage war against former supporter Germany in Lapland - This is called the War of Lapland Cold War - Finland was a free country, you could travel abroad freely etc - Finland didn't receive any Marshall aid - Soviet Union gave some pressure to Finland in various ways - Being neutral was walking a tightrope - This is what was called Finlandization - Finland nevertheless became very wealthy between 1945 and 1989 - Soviet Union trade was lucrative Breakup of Soviet Union - Since Soviet Union broke up, all treaties that were with it were thought expired