Finland will decide on its application for NATO membership on May 12, the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti reported on Monday, citing its government sources.

The decision is expected to be taken in two steps: initially, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto will announce that he has given the approval, while parliamentary groups will give the approval after him.

The debate in Finland over membership in the NATO military alliance has started since Russia began its occupation of Ukraine on February 24.

Under the Finnish constitution, the president directs Finland’s foreign and security policy in cooperation with the government.

The decision will be confirmed in a meeting between the President and top ministers after the initial announcements of the President and Parliament, writes the Finnish newspaper.