Turkey's ratification of Sweden's membership in NATO marks a significant milestone for the Nordic country's journey towards joining the military alliance. This move brings Sweden one step closer to becoming a fully-fledged member of NATO, with Hungary being the only ally yet to ratify its accession.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his appreciation for Turkey's endorsement, stating on Twitter, 'With this, a key milestone has been reached in Sweden's path towards NATO membership.' The Swedish Parliament had previously encountered delays in the ratification process, which had frustrated other allies who believed Sweden's entry would strengthen NATO.
After more than a year and a half of waiting, Turkey's Parliament voted on Tuesday to endorse Sweden's accession. This decision was followed by the publication of Sweden's membership endorsement and the presidential approval of its accession protocol in Turkey's official gazette.
The decision by Sweden and its neighbor Finland to abandon their traditional stance of military nonalignment came in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Finland joined NATO in April, becoming the alliance's 31st member, following the ratification of its bid by Turkey's Parliament.
However, Turkey had initially hesitated to approve Sweden's bid, claiming that the country was not taking a firm stance against groups that Ankara viewed as security threats. Turkey sought concessions from Stockholm, including measures to counter Kurdish militants. The Turkish government was also dismayed by demonstrations in Sweden supporting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Quran-burning protests that caused tensions in Muslim countries.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan further linked the ratification to Turkey's desire to acquire fighter jets from the United States. He urged Canada and other NATO allies to lift arms embargoes imposed on Turkey due to human rights concerns. Turkey has requested 40 new F-16 fighter jets and kits to modernize its existing fleet. U.S. administration officials anticipate swift action on the F-16 sale following Turkey's ratification of Sweden's membership.
During the parliamentary vote on Tuesday, the ruling party highlighted Sweden's tougher stance on Kurdish militants as a crucial factor in winning approval. Senior legislator Fuat Oktay stated that Sweden had made significant amendments to its anti-terrorism laws, curbed the financial activities of the PKK, convicted a terrorism suspect, extradited another, and lifted restrictions on arms sales to Turkey.
While Turkey has now finalized its endorsement, attention now turns to Hungary. The Hungarian Parliament has yet to schedule a vote on the protocols for Sweden's NATO accession. Unless an emergency session is called, it is unlikely that the matter will be presented to lawmakers until at least late February.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has expressed his government's support for Sweden's NATO membership. However, he also mentioned that some members of his governing Fidesz party remain unconvinced due to what he referred to as 'blatant lies' from certain Swedish politicians regarding the state of Hungary's democracy.
As Sweden's NATO membership continues to gain momentum, the attention of the international community now focuses on Hungary's decision, which will determine whether Sweden's accession becomes fully ratified and cements its place within the military alliance.
