By Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has made a significant move by submitting a crucial bill concerning Sweden’s NATO membership application to the Turkish parliament. This action comes after months of intense discussions and negotiations between Turkey and Western nations on this critical issue.
Erdogan had conveyed his intentions during a NATO summit in July, promising to forward the legislation when the Turkish parliament reconvened on October 1. This decision followed his prior reservations related to various security concerns.
However, since the parliament’s reopening, Turkish officials have consistently emphasized that Sweden must take concrete actions to address the presence of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group officially labeled as a “terrorist organization” by Turkey, the European Union, and the United States.
In a statement, the presidency announced, “The Protocol on Sweden’s NATO Accession was signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on October 23, 2023, and referred to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.”
Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, warmly welcomed this development, stating, “Now it remains for the parliament to deal with the question. We look forward to being a NATO member.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his hope for a prompt vote in the Turkish parliament. The bill will first be placed on the agenda of the parliament’s foreign affairs commission, which must approve it before it proceeds to the general assembly for ratification.
Sweden and Finland, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, abandoned their long-standing non-aligned status. In May 2022, both countries expressed their desire to join NATO. Notably, for new countries to join the transatlantic military alliance, the approval of all 31 existing NATO members is required.
While Finland’s request received unanimous approval from all members, Sweden’s bid has faced opposition from Hungary and Turkey. Erdogan’s concerns revolved around Stockholm’s perceived leniency towards the PKK and other groups that Turkey considers security threats.
Additionally, Turkey was deeply displeased by a series of Quran-burning protests in Sweden.
Notably, Sweden’s Supreme Court rejected Turkey’s extradition request for two men accused of being affiliated with the movement of US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. Turkey holds Gulen responsible for a failed coup attempt in 2016.
However, Turkey’s objections softened after signals from the US administration, led by President Joe Biden, indicating that Turkey could purchase 40 new F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits.
Furthermore, Sweden offered assurances to assist Turkey in its efforts to join the European Union.
Under the negotiated agreement, NATO as an organization committed to addressing Turkey’s concerns related to “terrorism.” Jens Stoltenberg has appointed an assistant secretary-general to serve as a special coordinator in this initiative.
In a significant step, Turkey advances Sweden’s NATO aspirations, ushering in a potentially game-changing development for the international security landscape.
