Turkey’s Parliament Approves Swedish NATO Membership

On Tuesday evening, the Turkish Parliament approved Sweden’s NATO membership after a lengthy debate, leaving only Hungary’s agreement pending. A total of 346 votes were cast, with 287 in favor and 35 against. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to ratify the decision later in the week, having previously promised his signature following parliamentary approval. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Sweden’s membership makes NATO stronger and all members more secure. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has invited Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for talks on the membership. The process has been protracted in Turkey since Sweden applied for membership in spring 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Complaints from Turkey regarding activities of PKK members in Sweden and Quran burnings in Sweden contributed to earlier delays. Finland has already received Turkey’s approval for NATO membership, as unanimous consent is required for new members.