With the approval of its accession protocol by a Turkish parliamentary committee on December 27, Sweden’s ambition to join NATO reached a significant milestone. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine rise, Sweden moves closer to becoming a full member of the military alliance.
NATO
Legislative Committee Endorses Effort
Support for Sweden’s application to NATO was voiced by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey’s parliament.
The group, which includes representatives from all political parties, has given its key approval following Sweden’s recent efforts to allay Turkish fears.
The ruling alliance of Turkish President Erdogan has a majority in parliament, so even though there were delays at the beginning, the final vote among all members is also anticipated to favor Sweden soon.
All current member states must agree in order to join NATO.
The Political Environment
For nearly two centuries, beginning with the time of the Napoleonic Wars, Sweden has adhered to the policy of military neutrality.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine and aggressive rhetoric against Nordic expansion, however, caused Sweden and Finland to reevaluate their strategic strategy.
Both countries formally requested to join NATO in May 2022, not long after the invasion of Ukraine started in late February.
While the majority of NATO countries gave their swift approval, Sweden’s petition was ultimately supported by Turkey and Hungary, which demanded further security concessions before giving their support.
Challenges and Agreements
Using the NATO application as a political weapon, President Erdogan advanced Turkey’s national agenda, which includes the sanctioning of Kurdish groups that are classified as terrorist organizations by Turkey.
After decades of lenient asylum policy, Sweden was forced this year to agree to stricter legal and monitoring measures.
Recent congressional defense funding of $1.5 billion shows that Erdogan’s demands for F-16 sales are being heard.
Although formal admission was still awaiting parliamentary authorization, Turkey formally withdrew its opposition in July after these concessions.
