By Kyran Lorio
The region that this blog will focus on is Northern Europe, and the country I chose is Finland. A recent development in Finland’s involvement in global affairs was their decision to join NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This decision not only shifts Finland’s foreign and security policy but deepens their political relationships with other NATO members. Finland’s Ambassador to India, Kimmo Lahdevirta, also says, “Finland brings essential assets to NATO. We have strong national defense, civil preparedness, and crisis resilience.” In addition to this, over two percent of Finland’s GDP is also being allocated to defense and security for NATO. Overall, Finland’s recent involvement in NATO is a large step for their international relations, security, and their political influence and reach. 
Kimmo Lahdevirta, Finland’s Ambassador to India.
Finnish and Swedish envoys submitting their countries’ requests to join NATO to the NATO Secretary General.