Turkish MPs Approve Sweden’s NATO Membership Bid, Hungary Now Sole Holdout

Turkey (Washington Insider Magazine)—Turkish lawmakers have ratified Sweden’s NATO membership in a long-awaited vote, moving Sweden closer to joining the alliance after applying in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ratification resolves a significant obstacle, as Turkey had withheld approval, citing Sweden’s alleged support for Kurdish separatists.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to sign the legislation soon, leaving Hungary as the only NATO member yet to ratify Sweden’s accession. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has shown willingness for talks, inviting Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to Budapest. However, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom stated there’s no need for negotiation but is open to dialogue.

Turkey initially opposed Sweden’s bid over concerns about Kurdish militant support, specifically regarding the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey, the EU, and the US classify as a terrorist group. Sweden responded by strengthening anti-terror laws in June.

Finland, Sweden’s neighbor, joined NATO earlier in 2023, doubling NATO’s border with Russia. The approval of Sweden’s membership is now contingent on Hungary’s final decision. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has urged Hungary to complete the ratification process swiftly.