Sweden is set to become a member of NATO after Turkey agreed to lift its long-standing opposition in exchange for EU support on security and accession issues.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the decision on Monday after meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in Stockholm.
“We have decided to support Sweden’s NATO bid as a gesture of goodwill and cooperation,” Erdoğan said at a joint press conference. “We hope that this will pave the way for more dialogue and collaboration between Turkey and the EU on matters of mutual interest.”
Löfven welcomed Turkey’s move and thanked Erdoğan for his “constructive approach”. He said that Sweden’s NATO membership would strengthen the security and stability of the region and enhance the transatlantic partnership.
“Sweden has always been a close partner of NATO and a strong contributor to its missions and operations,” Löfven said. “We believe that joining the alliance will benefit both Sweden and NATO, as well as our common values and interests.”
Sweden has been pursuing NATO membership since 2022, when it held a referendum that resulted in a narrow majority in favor of joining the alliance. However, Turkey had blocked Sweden’s bid, citing historical disputes and security concerns.
Turkey is a key NATO ally that controls the strategic Bosporus Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It also hosts several NATO bases and hosts millions of refugees from Syria and other countries.
However, Turkey’s relations with the EU have been strained over issues such as human rights, democracy, migration, and Cyprus. Turkey has been a candidate for EU membership since 1999, but its accession talks have stalled since 2016.
Erdoğan said that he hoped that Sweden’s NATO entry would help revive Turkey’s EU prospects and address some of the challenges facing both sides.
“We want to have a positive agenda with the EU and overcome our differences through dialogue and cooperation,” Erdoğan said. “We also expect the EU to show more solidarity and support for Turkey’s legitimate security interests and concerns in our region.”
