Turkey Greenlights Sweden’s NATO Membership Bid

• Turkey approves Sweden’s NATO bid after 20 months.
• Boosts Turkey’s security amid Russia worries.
• Hungary is the only NATO member yet to approve.

In a significant move toward bolstering Western military alliances, Turkey’s parliament voted 287-55 to approve Sweden’s NATO membership bid, marking the end of Sweden’s 20-month-long struggle for approval from all NATO members. The decision is anticipated to enhance Turkey’s security posture, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sweden’s NATO membership bid faced initial objections from Turkey, citing concerns over the Scandinavian nation’s protection of groups deemed as terrorists. While Turkey endorsed Finland’s membership in April, it kept Sweden waiting along with Hungary, citing similar concerns.

Fuat Oktay, head of Turkey’s parliament’s foreign affairs commission and a ruling AK Party member, expressed support for NATO enlargement, emphasizing the importance of allies’ commitment to fighting terrorism. The approval sets the stage for Sweden to join the NATO alliance.

United States Ambassador Jeff Flake welcomed the decision, praising Turkey’s commitment to the NATO alliance as a demonstration of enduring partnership. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom also expressed appreciation for Turkey’s approval, looking forward to President Erdogan signing the ratification document.

President Erdogan is expected to sign the legislation for Sweden’s NATO accession in the coming days. With Hungary being the only member state yet to approve Sweden’s accession, the situation arises as Hungary’s parliament is in recess until mid-February.

Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for his friendly relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has invited Sweden for negotiations on bloc membership. However, the approval is pending until Hungary’s parliament reconvenes.

Turkey and Hungary, with stronger ties to Russia than some other NATO members, have previously criticized Western sanctions on Moscow but opposed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As NATO strengthens its military infrastructure in the Nordic states, Russia warns of potential responses.

Sweden’s NATO membership bid signifies a historic shift from its non-aligned security policy and is expected to enhance NATO defenses in the Baltic Sea region, particularly in the face of geopolitical challenges posed by Russia.