Turkey’s parliament on Tuesday granted approval to Sweden’s NATO membership bid, signaling an advancement after a 20-month delay in the alliance’s expansion. The ruling alliance, led by President Tayyip Erdogan, secured a decisive majority with a 287-55 vote in favor of Sweden’s application.
In May 2022, Sweden submitted its NATO membership application. Turkey initially opposed Sweden’s bid, citing concerns about harboring Kurdish separatists, particularly members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), recognized as a terrorist group by the EU, the U.S., and the Turkish government.
In response, Sweden took proactive measures to address Turkey’s apprehensions. The country introduced a comprehensive anti-terrorism bill, criminalizing membership in terrorist organizations. Additionally, Sweden, in collaboration with Finland, Canada, and the Netherlands, eased restrictions on arms exports to Turkey.
President Erdogan is expected to sign the legislation in the coming days, leaving Hungary – whose Prime Minister Viktor Orban has friendly relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin – as the only member state yet to approve Sweden’s accession.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Turkey’s decision and urged Hungary to expedite its national ratification process.
Should Sweden officially join NATO, the alliance’s territorial reach will extend along the entire Baltic coastline, excluding the Russian coast and the Kaliningrad enclave.
This strategic expansion carries considerable significance, enhancing the alliance’s capacity to defend the Baltic states against potential Russian threats. The approval paves the way for more streamlined transportation of troops and equipment via Sweden to nations like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.