THE Finnish Government on Wednesday submitted to parliament a report on changes to Finland’s foreign and security policy environment following the Ukraine crisis.

The report is a framework for a broader debate on foreign, security, and defense policy, and includes an assessment of how Finland can boost national defense capability and international defense cooperation, as well as the effects of possible NATO membership.

National broadcaster Yle said that although the report is the basis for a discussion on NATO in the coming weeks, it will not lead to a parliamentary vote, only a communication.

The issue will then be referred back to the government and president.

Also on Wednesday, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said Finland’s decision on NATO membership would be taken before the summer.

Niinisto told the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat that the report provides crucial information to decision-makers.

However, the final decision on membership will fall to Niinisto.

He warned against delays in the decision-making process, saying that the fate of Finland and Sweden was being used as a political football.

Russia’s possible reaction is another reason to speed up the process, he added.

(Xinhua)