In a recent development, Turkey has conveyed to Sweden that it anticipates ratifying its prolonged NATO accession in the coming weeks, according to Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Tobias Billstrom. The announcement comes after a period of delay, during which Turkey raised objections over Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership bids, citing concerns related to groups deemed as terrorists by Ankara.
Last year, in the aftermath of conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both Sweden and Finland expressed their intention to join NATO. However, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan voiced reservations, specifically highlighting what he perceived as the two countries’ support for groups designated as terrorists by Ankara.
While Turkey endorsed Finland’s NATO membership bid in April, it has kept Sweden waiting for the ratification process. Tobias Billstrom revealed the positive development after bilateral discussions with the Turkish Foreign Minister, emphasizing that the ratification is expected to occur “within weeks.” However, there has been no immediate confirmation or comment from Turkey.
Turkey’s objections were tied to its demand for Sweden to take more decisive actions against local members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an organization classified as a terrorist group by both the European Union and the United States. In response, Sweden introduced an anti-terrorism bill criminalizing membership in such organizations while also lifting arms export restrictions on Turkey, asserting compliance with the terms of a deal signed last year.
Some in NATO had hoped for Sweden’s ratification to be finalized by now, potentially enabling an accession ceremony during the ongoing meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels. While no specific date was provided by Turkey, the Swedish Foreign Minister reiterated that the Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, mentioned “within weeks.”
This sentiment was echoed by a senior U.S. State Department official, who, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “I will say the summary of the meeting was it will be done before the end of the year.”
Sweden’s NATO membership is contingent on ratification by Hungary, and Prime Minister Viktor Orban has consistently affirmed Hungary’s commitment to not being the last to ratify Sweden’s membership. Billstrom noted that Hungary’s position is aligned with Ankara, and Sweden anticipates positive outcomes from both capitals simultaneously.
As the process unfolds, the international community closely watches for the finalization of Sweden’s NATO accession and the potential positive implications for NATO’s strategic dynamics in the region.
