A coalition partner in the Finnish government that has traditionally been against NATO membership signalled openness to membership on Saturday, perhaps clearing the way for Helsinki to become a member of the defence bloc in the near future. The ceremony gives the leadership of the Centre Party permission to pursue NATO membership, according to broadcaster Yle. Finland has long resisted the option of NATO membership, but Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine has shifted opinions in a country that shares a long border with Russia. Recent surveys show that a majority of Finns now back membership. P…