Turkish parliament gave its seal of approval for Sweden’s bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Association

A key parliamentary committee in Turkey has given its approval for Sweden’s bid to join NATO, marking a significant development in Sweden’s efforts to join the alliance amid delays. The parliamentary committee’s approval is a crucial step, and the next phase involves a vote in the full Turkish parliament. Turkey and Hungary had initially opposed Sweden’s bid to join NATO, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan linking it to Turkey’s request for F-16 fighter jets from the United States. However, Turkey’s objections have now been lifted, and the foreign affairs committee in the Turkish parliament has given its approval.

The delays in Sweden’s NATO accession process stem from opposition by Turkey and Hungary, but all other NATO members, including Finland, have approved Sweden’s request. Finland joined NATO in April 2022, becoming the alliance’s 31st member. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 prompted Sweden and Finland to shift from their longstanding military non-alignment and apply for NATO membership.

Turkey’s objections to Sweden’s bid were related to concerns that Sweden was not taking sufficient measures against groups Turkey considers terrorists, particularly pro-Kurdistan elements. Sweden has reportedly taken action against these groups, leading to the lifting of Turkey’s objections in July. The NATO accession process requires approval from all existing members, and the next crucial step for Sweden is the full parliamentary vote in Turkey.

France and other NATO members have urged Turkey to expedite the process, emphasizing the credibility of the alliance. While the foreign affairs committee’s approval is a positive development, the final vote in the Turkish parliament remains pending, with Erdogan’s ruling alliance holding a majority.