Finland and Sweden to strengthen ties with Nato (if there's a threat to security)
Finland and Sweden plan to work more closely with Nato by signing a pact that allows assistance from alliance troops in the Nordic countries in emergency situations, officials said on Wednesday.
The move comes as Nato prepares for a summit next week in Wales amid heightened tensions with Russia over the crisis in Ukraine. Finland shares a 1,300km (800-mile) border with Russia.
The Finnish government said the host nation support agreement applies to situations which include "disasters, disruptions and threats to security". It also enables joint training exercises and military cooperation.
Finnish defence ministry senior adviser Mika Varvikko said Finland intended to sign the agreement at next week's summit. Sweden is also expected to do so.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/27/finland-sweden-strengthen-ties-nato
Neither Finland nor Sweden are actually joining NATO, but it is interesting that "threats to security" is one of the events that can trigger a request for help from NATO. Events in Ukraine may be a cause for some concern, particularly for Finland which has a 800-mile border with Russia.
