Senior officials from Sweden and Turkiye are set to convene at NATO headquarters to address Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's objections to Sweden's potential membership in the military alliance. The meeting, led by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, will involve foreign ministers, intelligence chiefs, and national security advisers from both countries. Finland, which recently joined NATO, will also participate, having previously addressed Turkish concerns. This article delves into the ongoing deadlock surrounding Sweden's NATO membership and the efforts to resolve it.
Sweden and Finland's Shift in Policy:
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden and neighboring Finland abandoned their long-standing military nonalignment policy and sought NATO membership. The United States, under President Joe Biden, expressed solidarity with Sweden as it intensified pressure for the Nordic nation's inclusion in NATO, ahead of the upcoming summit.
Obstacles from Turkiye and Hungary:
While the majority of NATO allies, along with Stoltenberg and Sweden, support Sweden's bid for membership, Turkiye and Hungary are causing delays. Turkiye accuses Sweden of being too lenient toward groups deemed security threats by Ankara, including militant Kurdish groups and individuals associated with the 2016 coup attempt. NATO expansion requires the unanimous approval of all 31 members.
Reviewing Steps Taken and Addressing Concerns:
The meeting at NATO headquarters aims to assess the actions taken by Finland and Sweden since the last meeting in Ankara on June 14, particularly in the context of counterterrorism efforts. Turkiye's foreign ministry will be represented by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Chief Adviser Akif Cagatay Kilic, Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akcapar, and Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin. Hungary, which has not explicitly stated its concerns, is also delaying approval but is expected to follow Turkiye's lead once its objections are lifted.
Tensions and Uncertainties:
Recent events, such as a controversial Qur'an-burning protest outside a mosque in Stockholm, have strained relations between Sweden and Turkiye. Erdogan criticized Sweden for allowing the protest, which was permitted by the police citing freedom of speech. The exact nature of Turkiye's objections remains unclear, and the meeting seeks to clarify these concerns. Additionally, Erdogan's request for upgraded F-16 fighter jets from the US is seemingly tied to the endorsement of Sweden's NATO membership by Biden.
Hopes for Resolution and Symbolic Significance:
NATO had initially hoped to resolve Sweden's membership issue before the upcoming summit in Lithuania, viewing Sweden's inclusion as a powerful symbol of solidarity and a response to Russia's aggression. However, these hopes have waned as the deadlock persists.
The meeting at NATO headquarters represents a significant effort to overcome the obstacles preventing Sweden's NATO membership. With the participation of senior officials from Sweden, Turkiye, Finland, and Hungary, the aim is to address objections, clarify concerns, and seek solutions. The outcome of these discussions will determine the future of Sweden's NATO bid and its implications for regional security in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression.