WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement in regard to the ongoing application processes for Sweden and Finland to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Alliance:  

“Sweden and Finland are thriving representative democracies with some of the most capable militaries in Europe. There is no compelling reason that the formal approval for Sweden and Finland to join the alliance should take so long,” Wicker said. “I appreciate our Turkish allies for taking a major step and supporting Finland’s bid, but they should go further and resolve their issues with Sweden. I also call on Hungary to stop delaying consideration of the most pivotal strengthening of our alliance in decades.” 

“It is imperative that both Sweden and Finland be made full members of the alliance prior to the July NATO summit in Vilnius. It is past time to put our differences aside and send Vladimir Putin a clear signal of our collective resolve.”