OPINION
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Turkey, Finland, and Sweden sign the agreement paving the way for Finnish and Swedish NATO membership
Sweden and Finland's NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) membership has been on the agenda of global politics recently due to security concerns caused by the Russia–Ukraine war. Although the G-20 countries fully support Sweden and Finland's membership, Turkey's veto has kept tensions high in global politics for a long time.
Sweden and Finland had stated that Turkey's concerns were related to terrorism and arms trade and they were ready to discuss them. And US President Joe Biden had said that they support these countries' NATO membership and they will fix the veto issue.
However, President Erdogan's position on this issue was quite decisive at the very beginning. Pointing out that they oppose Sweden and Finland's NATO membership due to their support for terrorist organizations, especially the PKK and the YPG, President Erdogan said that Turkey would continue to reject their membership if the candidate countries did not take the necessary steps.
After that, the negotiation efforts of other member states and Sweden and Finland continued. In recent weeks, delegations from Sweden and Finland have also visited Ankara.
Following the discussions, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalene Andersson and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced that they are focusing on finding a solution to their NATO membership and Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu said, "Both Finland and Sweden must stop supporting terror groups."
Yesterday, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and President Erdogan held a meeting in Madrid, Spain.
Following 2-hour meeting, Turkey, Finland, and Sweden signed agreement paving the way for Finnish and Swedish NATO membership. The main highlights are as follows:
Sweden and Finland had stated that Turkey's concerns were related to terrorism and arms trade and they were ready to discuss them. And US President Joe Biden had said that they support these countries' NATO membership and they will fix the veto issue.
However, President Erdogan's position on this issue was quite decisive at the very beginning. Pointing out that they oppose Sweden and Finland's NATO membership due to their support for terrorist organizations, especially the PKK and the YPG, President Erdogan said that Turkey would continue to reject their membership if the candidate countries did not take the necessary steps.
After that, the negotiation efforts of other member states and Sweden and Finland continued. In recent weeks, delegations from Sweden and Finland have also visited Ankara.
Following the discussions, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalene Andersson and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced that they are focusing on finding a solution to their NATO membership and Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu said, "Both Finland and Sweden must stop supporting terror groups."
Yesterday, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and President Erdogan held a meeting in Madrid, Spain.
Following 2-hour meeting, Turkey, Finland, and Sweden signed agreement paving the way for Finnish and Swedish NATO membership. The main highlights are as follows:
- The three countries reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the Washington Treaty.
- As the most basic elements of the Alliance, it was pointed out that full solidarity and cooperation will be maintained in the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.
- Finland and Sweden will give Turkey their full support against all threats to its national security.
- The two countries will strongly reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
- Finland and Sweden will confirm that the PKK is a banned terrorist organization. They will also pledge to prevent the activities of individuals with links to the PKK and all other terrorist organizations.
- The three countries will increase cooperation in order to prevent terrorist attacks.
- Sweden will confirm that the new terrorist crimes law will come into force as of July 1.
- There will no longer be any national arms embargo between the three countries.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: “I strongly welcome the signing of this trilateral memorandum, and I strongly welcome the constructive approach all three countries have shown during the negotiations. Finnish and Swedish membership of NATO is good for Finland and Sweden, it is good for NATO, and it is good for European security.” Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö also expressed their happiness with the current situation.
After the NATO Leaders have made an official invitation to Sweden and Finland, the delegations will meet and submit a letter to NATO noting that they accept all responsibilities and obligations that will arise from NATO membership. After NATO has prepared a protocol on accession to the Washington Treaty, member countries will sign it and candidates will sign these into their national laws. Finally, the two countries will officially become NATO members after NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg approves the membership.
After the NATO Leaders have made an official invitation to Sweden and Finland, the delegations will meet and submit a letter to NATO noting that they accept all responsibilities and obligations that will arise from NATO membership. After NATO has prepared a protocol on accession to the Washington Treaty, member countries will sign it and candidates will sign these into their national laws. Finally, the two countries will officially become NATO members after NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg approves the membership.
