Sweden’s NATO Membership at a Historic Crossroads with Turkey’s Approval: A Decision Changing the Geopolitical Balance
With the approval of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Sweden's accession to NATO has reached a new stage. This historic decision ushers in a new era in the international security and political arena. We take an in-depth look at Sweden's NATO membership and its implications for Turkey.
Recently, the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) approved Sweden’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This historic vote is considered an important milestone in international relations and security policies.
The proposal for Sweden’s NATO membership was approved with 287 yes votes in the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, with 346 deputies participating in the vote. There were 55 rejections and 4 abstentions. This result represents an important step towards Sweden’s NATO membership.
This process started after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership in 2022. However, Turkey objected to the applications due to allegations that the two countries were supporting groups that Turkey considers terrorist organizations. Turkey had put Sweden’s application on hold until tougher steps were taken against members of the PKK, which is also considered a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States.
Sweden enacted a law making membership in a terrorist organization illegal, while NATO members such as Canada and the Netherlands relaxed their arms export policies towards Turkey. These steps were instrumental in Turkey’s green light for Sweden’s NATO membership.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on social media that the Turkish Parliament’s vote was a positive result and that they were one step closer to full membership in NATO. US Ambassador to Ankara Jeff Flake expressed his appreciation for Turkey’s decision and emphasized that Sweden’s NATO membership is critical for strengthening the Alliance.
All these developments led to significant progress on Sweden’s NATO membership. However, Sweden’s NATO membership is still awaiting Hungary’s approval. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban invited the Swedish Prime Minister to Hungary to discuss Sweden’s membership of the alliance, but this offer was rejected by Sweden. Since Hungary’s parliament is in recess until mid-February, Sweden’s accession process may take a little longer.
Sweden’s accession to NATO is seen as a significant change in Europe’s security structure, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Turkey’s role in this process once again demonstrates the country’s strategic importance and diplomatic capabilities within NATO.
Turkey’s approval means that Sweden has overcome a major hurdle on the road to NATO membership. It also reinforces Turkey’s position as an influential player in the international arena and opens the door to an era that will have a significant impact on regional security dynamics. These developments open a new chapter in European and international security politics in general and constitute an important turning point that will be influential in shaping future political and military alliances.
