The Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs commission, on December 26, approved Sweden’s NATO membership bid making the country one step closer to becoming a NATO member.
The decision, a pivotal step in the alliance’s expansion, followed a 19-month delay during which Ankara sought security-related assurances from Stockholm.
Controlled by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the commission endorsed Sweden’s bid, initiated after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom welcomed Turkish government’s decision, saying his country was eagerly looking forward to becoming a NATO member.
“We welcome the approval of Sweden’s NATO membership application in the Foreign Affairs Committee in Türkiye. The next step will be the Parliament voting on this matter. We eagerly look forward to becoming a NATO member.” Tobias Billstrom said on Twitter.
NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg also welcomed the Turkish parliamentary commission’s decision, urging swift ratifications from Turkey and Hungary, the latter being another holdout.
“I welcome the vote by the Turkish parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership,” Stoltenberg said, urging Turkey and fellow holdout Hungary to complete their ratifications “as soon as possible”.
The next crucial phase involves a vote by the full parliament, where the AK Party holds a majority, making the approval of Sweden’s NATO membership likely.
Commission head Fuat Oktay downplayed expectations for an immediate vote in the Grand National Assembly, emphasizing that the speaker would determine the timing. The parliament’s upcoming two-week recess in early January further adds a layer of complexity to the process.
“The decision to submit it to the general assembly has been made now, but this should not be interpreted as [a sign] that it will pass the general assembly with the same speed. There is no such thing,” Oktay said.
Erdogan had raised objections in May last year, citing concerns over Sweden and Finland’s alleged support for individuals Turkey deems “terrorists” and their defense of trade embargoes.
While Finland’s bid was ratified in April, Sweden faced delays until addressing Turkey’s concerns regarding the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). In response, Sweden enacted legislation criminalizing membership in designated “terrorist organizations.”
Notably, NATO member Hungary, alongside Turkey, has yet to ratify Sweden’s membership.
Erdogan had previously linked Turkey’s approval to the US’s consent for F-16 fighter jet sales, emphasizing progress after a recent call with President Joe Biden.
The forthcoming steps in Turkey’s parliamentary process and potential US actions will play a crucial role in finalizing Sweden’s long-awaited NATO accession.