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Turkey's Parliament Ratifies Sweden's NATO Membership Bid

  • 25 Jan 2024

On 23rd January, 2024, Turkey's parliament, led by President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling alliance, approved Sweden's NATO membership bid, overcoming a 20-month delay and removing a significant obstacle to the alliance's expansion.

Key Points

  • Parliamentary Approval and Voting: The Turkish General Assembly voted 287-55 in favour of ratifying Sweden's NATO membership bid, addressing the primary obstacle to NATO expansion.
  • Sweden's Application and Delay: Sweden initially applied in 2022, seeking NATO membership to enhance its security amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Turkey had raised objections, delaying the approval process.
  • NATO Membership Application Process: All NATO members must endorse applications for new countries to join. Turkey had previously expressed concerns over Sweden and Finland's approach to groups it considers terrorists.
  • Support for NATO Enlargement: Turkish officials expressed support for NATO enlargement, emphasizing its role in enhancing alliance deterrence efforts. The hope is that Sweden and Finland set an example for other allies in the fight against terrorism.
  • Remaining Approval and Hungary's Position: Erdogan is expected to sign the legislation soon, leaving Hungary as the sole member yet to approve Sweden's accession. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has invited his Swedish counterpart for negotiations.
  • NATO Secretary General's Statement: NATO Secretary General welcomed Turkey's decision and called on Hungary to complete its national ratification promptly.
  • Turkey and Hungary's Relations with Russia: Turkey and Hungary maintain better relations with Russia within NATO. Turkey, while opposing Russia's actions in Ukraine, criticized Western sanctions. Russia warned against NATO's military infrastructure strengthening in Nordic states.
  • Sweden's Impact on NATO Defences: Sweden's NATO membership would enhance alliance defences in the Baltic Sea region against Russia, marking a historic shift from its non-aligned security policy.