HELSINKI, (Reuters) – The Finnish Parliament will vote Tuesday on a proposal for NATO membership. This historic shift in policy was prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Officially, President Sauli Niinisto & the government decided Sunday that Finland will apply to join the EU. The decision still needs Parliament’s approval. This is highly likely.

The legislature debate began Monday. After 212 speeches by members on the subject, which were overwhelmingly in favor of joining, the first session ended more than 14 hours later at midnight.

The foreign affairs committee voted to support the state leadership and propose to the Parliament, early Tuesday morning, that Norway apply for NATO membership.

After hearing the views of a large number experts, and after receiving the opinion of 10 committees (parliamentary), the foreign affairs committee has reached an agreement with the government to recommend that Finland apply for NATO membership. Jussi Hallaaho, the chairman of its foreign affairs committee said that this decision was unanimous.

The issue will be discussed in another plenary session later in the afternoon. If one member objects, there will then be a vote.

Media was told at least by one member of the governing body that he would vote for it if there wasn’t one.