Sweden can prepare for NATO membership. Turkish President Erdogan ends resistance to the Scandinavian country. This was announced by NATO chief Stoltenberg during a press conference in Vilnius, where the NATO summit will begin tomorrow. “Everything is fluid under pressure,” says European journalist Geert Jan Hahn.
Türkiye and Sweden agreed on a bilateral deal tonight. “This is a historic step. Sweden’s accession makes us stronger and more secure,” says Stoltenberg. ‘It’s good for all of us, Turkey also benefits as a colleague. Now we can move forward, and this can go to the Turkish parliament for ratification.’
Everything is fluid under pressure. This adage certainly seems to apply here in Lithuania, where Turkish President Erdogan has increased the pressure on Sweden by linking Sweden’s NATO membership to Turkey’s EU membership,’ says Europe reporter Geert Jan Hahn. ‘Sweden should support Turkey in this, Erdogan says. And then Turkey naturally supports Sweden with its NATO membership. And yes, that’s how it happened.’
“Suddenly late on a Monday evening, Sweden appears to be joining NATO”
Part of the deal, according to Europe reporter Geert Jan Hahn, is NATO’s increased focus on counter-terrorism, an important point for Erdogan in the fight against the Kurdish PKK. For the first time in its existence, NATO gets a counter-terrorism coordinator. Furthermore, the organization acknowledges that it is taking the fight against terrorism more seriously.
EU membership
Earlier today, it appeared that Turkey would continue to block Sweden’s possible membership. Erdogan has stated that he wants EU membership in exchange for Sweden’s approval of NATO membership.
The latter also appears to be part of the deal. Sweden pledges to support Turkey’s EU accession process, including the modernization of the EU-Turkey customs union and visa facilitation. With that, Erdogan gets what he wants from Sweden.
Sweden
Swedish President Ulf Kristersson welcomes the deal. “It’s a good day for Sweden, I’m very happy. It’s been a long day in a long journey from Sweden to NATO,” he said at a press conference.
“Actually, Sweden had already fulfilled all Turkish requirements, which were agreed in Madrid at the previous summit”
Hungary, which is also opposed to Sweden’s accession, will also proceed with ratification, according to Stoltenberg. Hungary has made it clear that it will not be the last country to ratify. “So I think the problem will be solved.” “When Hungary will ratify is not known,” says Hahn. The country has said that if Turkey does so, so will Budapest. Hahn also thinks Joe Biden is happy, but it is unknown whether Turkey will get US fighter jets under this deal.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
