Turkey’s parliament has ratified Sweden’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) membership bid, marking the end of a 20-month struggle to gain approval from all NATO members. The move is expected to strengthen Turkey’s security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This is a significant victory for President Erdogan’s ruling alliance and paves the way for Sweden to join the alliance.
Enduring partnership
Turkey had previously objected to Sweden and Finland’s 2022 membership due to their protection of groups it deems terrorists. The United States Ambassador Jeff Flake expressed gratitude for the Turkish Parliament’s decision to approve Sweden’s entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) Alliance today, stating that Turkey’s “commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) Alliance clearly demonstrates our enduring partnership.”
United States Ambassador Jeff Flake said Turkey’s “commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) Alliance clearly demonstrates our enduring partnership.” Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom welcomed the Turkish parliament’s approval and looks forward to President Erdogan signing the ratification document.
Turkey and Hungary
Türkiye and Hungary have stronger relations with Russia than other North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) members, but Turkey has criticized Western sanctions on Moscow. Russia warns of a potential response to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) military infrastructure strengthening in the Nordic states. Sweden’s membership bid marked a historic shift away from a non-aligned security policy and would enhance the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) defenses in the Baltic Sea region facing Russia.
Significant geopolitical move
Türkiye parliament has ratified Sweden’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) membership bid, marking a significant geopolitical move and strengthening Turkey’s security in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The 287-55 vote marks a victory for President Erdogan’s ruling alliance and serves to strengthen Türkiye security in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Turkey’s previous objections to Sweden and Finland’s 2022 membership bid, citing concerns about their protection of terrorist groups, led to Turkey and Hungary delaying Sweden’s approval. The United States Ambassador Jeff Flake applauded the Turkish Parliament’s decision, emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) alliance. Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom welcomed the approval, expressing anticipation for President Erdogan’s signature on the ratification document.
Criticize Western sanctions
However, Hungary, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s amicable ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, remains the only NATO member not to approve Sweden’s accession. Türkiye and Hungary, with stronger ties to Russia compared to other NATO members, have criticized Western sanctions on Moscow but opposed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, indicating a delicate balance in their diplomatic relations. As NATO strengthens its military infrastructure in the Nordic states, Russia warns of potential responses. Sweden’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) membership is expected to bolster the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) defenses in the Baltic Sea region facing Russia.
Türkiye opposition to Sweden’s bid for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) membership has been primarily due to the perceived acceptance of Kurdish groups by Ankara, which Ankara views as “terrorists.” Sweden has responded by tightening its antiterrorism legislation and taking other security steps demanded by Erdogan over the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which the European Union and the United States also list as a “terrorist” group.
Arms export policies
Turkey and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) members Finland, Canada, and the Netherlands have also relaxed Turkey’s arms export policies. The Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee approved the Swedish bid last month. Erdogan has demanded that the US follow through on its pledge to deliver a batch of F-16 fighter jets for Turkey’s aging air force. US officials argue that the Türkiye request could win congressional approval if Sweden’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) accession goes through.
