Turkey finalized the ratification of Sweden’s membership in NATO, bringing the previously nonaligned Nordic country a step closer to joining the military alliance. Hungary now remains the only NATO ally not to have ratified Sweden’s accession.
Quick Read
- Turkey Ratifies Sweden’s NATO Membership: Turkey’s parliament finalized the ratification of Sweden joining NATO, moving the Nordic country closer to membership.
- Hungary Yet to Ratify: Hungary is now the only NATO member that has not yet ratified Sweden’s accession to the alliance.
- Swedish PM’s Reaction: Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed satisfaction on social media, marking a key milestone in Sweden’s NATO journey.
- Delayed Approval Process: Turkey’s endorsement came after an extended delay, causing frustration among NATO allies.
- Official Publication in Turkey: Turkey’s official gazette published both the parliamentary endorsement and a presidential decree, completing the ratification process.
- Sweden and Finland’s Shift in Stance: Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland abandoned military nonalignment to seek NATO membership.
- Finland’s Earlier Membership: Finland joined NATO earlier in April as the 31st member, following Turkey’s approval.
- Turkey’s Demands from Sweden: Turkey delayed approval due to concerns over Sweden’s stance on groups it sees as security threats and sought concessions, particularly regarding Kurdish militants.
- Erdogan’s Links to Fighter Jet Purchase: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tied the ratification to Turkey’s desire to purchase fighter jets from the U.S.
- U.S. Response to F-16 Sale: U.S. officials expect prompt action on the F-16 sale to Turkey following the ratification.
- Hungarian Delay in Ratification: Hungary has not scheduled a vote on Sweden’s NATO membership, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán citing concerns among his party members over comments from Swedish politicians.
The Associated Press has the story:
Turkey ratifies Sweden’s NATO membership, leaving Hungary as only ally yet to endorse it
Newslooks- ANKARA, Turkey (AP) —
Turkey finalized the ratification of Sweden’s membership in NATO, bringing the previously nonaligned Nordic country a step closer to joining the military alliance.
Hungary now remains the only NATO ally not to have ratified Sweden’s accession.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed Turkey’s move, saying on X, formerly known as Twitter: “With this, a key milestone has been reached in Sweden’s path towards NATO membership.”
Turkey’s parliament endorsed Sweden’s accession in a vote held Tuesday after more than a year-and-a-half of delays that frustrated other allies who argued Sweden’s entry would strengthen NATO.
On Thursday, the parliament’s endorsement of Sweden’s membership and a presidential decree approving its accession protocol were published in Turkey’s official gazette, concluding the ratification process in the country.
Sweden, along with Finland, abandoned its traditional position of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATO’s security umbrella, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Finland joined the alliance in April, becoming NATO’s 31st member, after Turkey’s parliament ratified the Nordic country’s bid.
But Turkey held out on approving Sweden’s bid, accusing the country of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara regards as security threats. It sought a series of concessions from Stockholm, including moves to counter Kurdish militants.
Turkey also had been angered by a series of demonstrations by supporters of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, in Sweden as well as Quran-burning protests that roiled Muslim countries.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later also linked the ratification to Turkey’s desire to buy fighter jets from the United States. He has also called on Canada and other NATO allies to lift arms embargoes imposed on Turkey over human rights concerns.
Ankara has requested 40 new F-16 fighter jets as well as kits to modernize its existing fleet. U.S. administration officials have said they expect relatively quick action on the F-16 sale after Turkey’s ratification.
During the vote on Tuesday, the ruling party said Sweden’s tougher stance on Kurdish militants was key to winning approval.
Senior ruling party legislator Fuat Oktay said that Sweden has amended its anti-terrorism laws, curbed the PKK’s financial activities, convicted a terrorism suspect and extradited another, and lifted restrictions on arms sales to Turkey.
With Turkey finalizing its approval, all eyes have turned on Hungary.
A vote on the protocols for Sweden’s NATO accession hasn’t yet appeared on the Hungarian parliament’s agenda, and barring a surprise emergency session, the matter is unlikely to go before lawmakers until at least late February.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán says his government is in favor of bringing Sweden into NATO, though he also has suggested that members of his governing Fidesz party remain unconvinced because of “blatant lies” from some Swedish politicians about the state of Hungary’s democracy.
