Sweden has been militarily neutral for more than 200 years, but after the Russian raid on Ukraine, the Scandinavian country wants to join NATO. Preferably as soon as possible. But what could have been an easy entry turns out to be a very complicated process.
The question puts Sweden in a difficult position because membership is valid or not with the approval of Turkey. That country is the only NATO member state that has not yet accepted Sweden’s membership, while unanimity is required.
Increased requirements
Turkey previously called Sweden a haven for Kurdish terrorists and President Erdogan has stressed that this must stop. Turkey’s requirements for Sweden’s membership are becoming increasingly specific.
So last weekend became one Turkish Kurd extradited to Turkey because it would have a link to terrorism. Ankara is not satisfied and is asking for the extradition of other “suspected terrorists”. These include Kurdish activists and opponents of the Turkish government living in Sweden.
Sweden is grappling with Turkish demands and does not want to make any concessions that conflict with its democratic values and norms.
Sweden has already made concessions to Turkey. Thus, the arms embargo against the country was lifted.
Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag called this weekend’s extradition a “good start” but stressed Stockholm needs to do more before Turkey approves NATO membership.
ANP extension
The flag of NATO (l) and that of Sweden
Prime Minister Kristersson promised shortly after his appointment in October that he would do everything possible to grant the application. Critics accuse him of going out of his way to personally please Turkish President Erdogan. He humiliated himself and Sweden in front of Turkey.
Erdogan will come to Sweden in two weeks. Kristersson will wish Erdogan’s good mood, so that the application can be approved in February without too many concessions. Then there is another session of the NATO parliament.
