NATO's Newest Member Finland To Sign Defense Pact with US, Shut Entire Border with Russia

NATO's recent addition, Finland, is poised to finalize a bilateral defense collaboration pact with the United States, enabling the deployment of troops and storage of military assets within the Nordic nation.

The Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) is scheduled to be signed on Monday, December 18, in Washington, according to Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

Finland Boosts NATO Ties with Defense Pact

(Photo : KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)
Finland's Minister of Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen speaks to the press ahead a Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) at the EU headquarters in Brussels on December 11, 2023.

Finland has taken a strategic step by entering into an agreement that aligns itself with NATO. The DCA, or Defense Cooperation Agreement, has set its sights on enhancing military access and aid, with the primary goal of delivering prompt assistance to Finland during times of conflict. In his statement, Valtonen reiterated the importance of avoiding the necessity to negotiate each aspect individually, which would ultimately improve the efficiency of operations during peace and become crucial during times of crisis.

The Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) has revealed a comprehensive list of 15 facilities and areas in Finland that will grant the US military unrestricted access. These locations encompass a range of strategic assets, including air bases, a military port, and railway access to the northern region of Finland.

The US military has announced plans to establish a storage area adjacent to a railway that stretches towards the Russian border. In Finland, ongoing railway infrastructure improvements along its Swedish border are enhancing the efficiency of reinforcements and equipment transfer.

This move follows Sweden, another NATO-aspiring nation, signing a similar agreement with the US last week, granting access to 17 areas, including air bases, a harbor, and military camps.

Finland has made it clear that the agreement in question strictly prohibits the storage or transportation of nuclear and biological weapons, as well as anti-personnel mines, within its territory. This stance is in accordance with various international non-proliferation treaties that Finland is committed to upholding.

Based on indications, the US military has the ability to carry out routine exercises in Finland; however, there are currently no indications of any intentions to establish permanent bases in the country, according to Reuters.

Finland Shuts Eastern Border Due to Illegal Migration Surge

Finland has made the decision to close its eastern border with Russia. The reason behind this move is the resurgence of illegal migration, which has prompted Finnish authorities to take action. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen has stated that due to a sudden increase in illegal entries, the decision has been made to close the borders temporarily.

This closure will be in effect starting from Friday evening and will continue until January 14. The Finnish-Russian border has become a focal point of tension, as Finland has accused Russia of allegedly providing assistance to asylum seekers in an attempt to destabilize the country.

The closure decision, supported by public opinion, aims to alleviate stress on reception facilities, prevent polarization in society, and mitigate potential security risks associated with an influx of refugees. However, Russian authorities dismiss these allegations as unsubstantiated.

This latest border closure echoes similar concerns raised by Poland and Baltic countries regarding Belarus's alleged involvement in facilitating migrant entries. Frontex, the EU's border agency, has deployed staff to support security at Finland's border, emphasizing the matter as a collective European concern.

As Finland strengthens its defense ties with the US and addresses migration challenges, the geopolitical landscape in the Nordic region continues to evolve, reflecting the complex relationships between these neighboring nations, The New York Times reported.