The authorities of Finland and Sweden are considering the possibility of simultaneously applying for NATO membership, the largest Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reported on May 10, citing sources.. This could happen as early as next week..

According to the publication, the Finnish authorities will officially decide on the application on Sunday, May 15. On the same day, as the newspaper expects, a similar step will be announced by the ruling Social Democratic Labor Party of Sweden..

According to Helsingin Sanomat, the joint application is seen as a sign of agreement between countries and a desire to protect each other and will be an important media event..

If it is not possible to apply on the same day, countries will try to do so with as little time as possible.