German parliament approves Sweden, Finland’s NATO bids

BERLIN

German parliament on Friday ratified the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, the Free Democratic Party (FDP), the Christian Unity Parties (CDU-CSU) and the Alternative Party for Germany (AfD) gave full support to the NATO membership of Sweden and Finland.

The Left Party (Die Linke) opposed the move.

German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht stated that the step taken by Finland and Sweden is important and deserves support.

“NATO's northern and eastern flanks are gaining decisive power. We strengthen freedom and democracy with the admission of Finland and Sweden to NATO,” she said.

Their accession not only strengthens the alliance, but it also boosts solidarity and unity in Europe and the transatlantic, she said.