TurkishJournal – Enes Kılıç – The Turkish parliament on Tuesday voted to approve Sweden’s long-awaited entry into NATO, ending a 20-month saga that strained ties between Ankara and its Western allies. This green light clears the final hurdle for Sweden’s membership, with only Hungary’s ratification remaining.
The decision comes as a welcome relief for Sweden, which, along with Finland, sought NATO membership in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Initially, Turkey had expected the same respect to be paid, citing concerns about the harboring of PKK militants by both Nordic nations. While Finland’s bid sailed through, Sweden remained in limbo for months, caught in the crossfire of Ankara’s geopolitical considerations.
However, with the recent visit of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to Turkey and renewed diplomatic efforts, the two sides finally reached an agreement. Turkey secured pledges from Sweden on counterterrorism cooperation and extradition of terrorists to Ankara. In return, Turkey lifted its veto, paving the way for Sweden’s accession.
“We welcome the Turkish parliament’s vote approving Sweden’s application to join @NATO,” Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security advisor, said on X.
Stockholm’s NATO accession protocol is set to be signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the coming days.
