NATO pen

Sometimes it feels like history is shaping up right before our eyes. The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 also shocked the Finnish people. Protests against the war of aggression were already held on the day of its outbreak, and the desire to help the Ukrainians was great. The majority of Finnish citizens began to support joining the NATO defence alliance.

The attack on Ukraine changed the security situation in Finland. On the proposal of the Government and after consulting the Parliament, President Sauli Niinistö decided that Finland would apply for membership of the NATO defence alliance.

Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto signed the NATO membership application on 17 May 2022 with this pen, which he received in an exchange with a reporter just before the signing ceremony. The NATO pen became a phenomenon, leading to similar gold-coloured pens being sold out in shops.

“The pen is mightier than the sword and, with this aphorism, I leave this pen to the museum,” said Foreign Minister Haavisto at a donation ceremony of the pen at the National Museum.

A small object can embody great emotions and developments, even a change in a state’s security policy. Finland officially became a member of NATO on 4 April 2023. IT172

Photos used in the video: Finnish Heritage Agency; Matti Porre, Office of the President of the Republic of Finland; NATO