Erdogan Approves Sweden’s NATO Application, Calls for EU Negotiations
A series of meetings in Vilnius, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, resulted in a historic development regarding Sweden’s NATO application. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced at a press conference that Erdogan has given his approval for Sweden’s accession to NATO.
Stoltenberg emphasized the significance of this decision, stating that Sweden’s inclusion in NATO will benefit the security of all alliance members, particularly during these critical times. However, the timing of when the accession protocol will be forwarded to the Turkish parliament remains uncertain.
In addition to Sweden’s NATO application, Turkey and Sweden have also agreed to initiate an institutionalized security cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms. Stoltenberg expressed confidence that Hungary’s approval for Sweden’s NATO membership will be resolved.
Interestingly, Erdogan introduced a new and unexpected condition during the negotiations. He proposed that the EU begin negotiations with Turkey on membership in the European Union as a prerequisite for giving Sweden the green light for NATO accession. While this condition is unrelated to Sweden’s NATO application and was not mentioned in the agreement between Sweden, Finland, and Turkey in Madrid, Erdogan sees it as an opportunity for Turkey’s long-awaited EU membership.
Erdogan’s sudden withdrawal of Turkey’s wish for EU rapprochement and involving Brussels in the Swedish NATO accession process can be seen as a plea for visa-free travel, increased trade, and economic support from the EU. Despite criticism of Turkey’s adherence to the EU’s rule of law principles and the aftermath of the 2016 coup attempt, European Council President Charles Michel has promised to rejuvenate ties with Turkey. Erdogan’s actions highlight the unpredictability of his decisions and his ability to pivot rapidly.
The relationship between Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin also remains strong, as evidenced by their recent meeting in Istanbul. Erdogan expressed support for Ukraine’s NATO membership while giving President Volodymyr Zelenskyj five soldiers who had fought against Russia. This act, however, did not impact Erdogan’s relations with Putin, as the two leaders continue to rely on each other politically and economically. Putin is expected to visit Turkey next month, where Erdogan aims to secure an extension of the agreement on grain exports.
US President Joe Biden also talked to Erdogan, hinting at the possibility of approving Sweden’s NATO application during a television appearance. Although the decision is still pending, Biden stressed the importance of strengthening NATO’s military capacity in Greece and Turkey while allowing Sweden to join. However, tensions between Turkey and Greece over territorial claims and resources pose a challenge. Greece seeks assurances regarding the use of F-16 fighter jets against Athens in the ongoing dispute in the Aegean Sea.
The NATO summit aims to exhibit the alliance’s unity and strength, but underlying tensions regarding Sweden and Ukraine’s membership, as well as potential cracks in cohesion, play into Putin’s hands. For Sweden, a binding promise for NATO membership holds little value if it can be retracted or postponed indefinitely due to protests within the country.
The outcome of these negotiations and the final decision on Sweden’s NATO membership will greatly influence regional dynamics and global security.
Jan Höglund, a former foreign reporter at Göteborgs-Posten, has provided expert analysis and insight into these developments. With extensive experience covering conflicts and major news events worldwide, Höglund’s perspective sheds light on the complexities of the situation.
Sources:
– Jan Höglund/Göteborgs-Posten