Turkey moves closer to approving Sweden’s NATO membership amid complex international relations

Istanbul, Turkey – The Turkish Parliament’s key committee has approved Sweden’s bid to join NATO. This move marks a pivotal moment in the Nordic country’s journey towards NATO membership, following the Russia-Ukraine war last year.

Sweden’s aspiration to join NATO encountered numerous obstacles, primarily due to opposition from Turkey and Hungary. The situation was further complicated when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan linked Sweden’s NATO membership to Ankara’s request for F-16 fighter jets from the United States.

Historically non-aligned, Sweden and Finland altered their military policies in response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, seeking membership in the US-led defense organization. While their bids received rapid endorsement from most NATO members, Turkey and Hungary’s reservations delayed the process. Finland has since been accepted as NATO’s 31st member, leaving Turkey and Hungary as the only members yet to ratify Sweden’s bid.

The Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee’s approval of Sweden’s NATO bid is a crucial step towards full parliamentary voting. President Erdogan’s ruling alliance, holding a majority in the parliament, is expected to vote soon, although the exact date remains unclear.

Erdogan initially objected to Sweden’s NATO membership but relented after Stockholm took action against Kurdish groups Ankara considers terrorists. NATO allies, including France, have emphasized the alliance’s credibility, urging Turkey to finalize its decision.

Erdogan has linked Sweden’s NATO bid to the US Congress’s approval of F-16 fighter jet sales to Turkey. The US administration has shown willingness to proceed with the sale, but it faces opposition in Congress over concerns regarding Turkey’s tensions with Greece, and its human rights record.

The approval of Sweden’s NATO membership is entangled with various international issues, including US-Turkey relations and regional security concerns. The recent killing of Turkish soldiers by Kurdish militants, according to Reuters, could also influence the decision on Sweden’s NATO membership.

The Turkish parliament’s approval of Sweden’s NATO bid is a significant step in a complex diplomatic landscape. It reflects the shifting dynamics of international relations and security concerns in the wake of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. The full parliamentary vote in Turkey will be a decisive moment for Sweden’s NATO aspirations and the future of the alliance’s expansion.