Devendra Kumar
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made it clear that his country is not yet ready to ratify Sweden’s membership in NATO, citing unfulfilled obligations and concerns about anti-Islamic demonstrations and groups that Ankara considers security threats. Erdogan spoke after a Cabinet meeting, reiterating his condemnation of a recent Koran-burning protest in Sweden, which he described as a hate crime against Muslims. He emphasized that fighting terrorism and Islamophobia are non-negotiable red lines, and that Turkey’s friendship cannot be won by supporting terrorism or providing a platform for terrorists.
Erdogan expressed disappointment with Sweden’s failure to take adequate measures to address Turkey’s concerns, particularly with regards to combating anti-Islamic demonstrations and groups that Ankara considers security threats. He specifically pointed to the recent Koran-burning protest in Stockholm, which was allowed to proceed by Swedish police citing freedom of speech. Erdogan argued that such actions were incompatible with basic human values and freedom of thought, and that Sweden needed to do better in addressing Turkey’s concerns.
Turkey has delayed giving its final approval to Sweden’s membership in NATO, largely due to its concerns about Sweden’s perceived leniency towards anti-Islamic groups and demonstrations. This has put Turkey in opposition to NATO’s push to admit Sweden, with the alliance seeking to bring the country on board by the time leaders meet in Lithuania on July 11. According to NATO, the unanimous approval of all existing members is required for expansion, with Turkey and Hungary being the only countries that have not yet ratified Sweden’s bid.
Erdogan also referenced a memorandum signed by Sweden and Finland and Turkey last year, which agreed to address Ankara’s concerns. However, he emphasized that fighting Islamophobia was not explicitly mentioned in the memorandum, implying that Sweden needs to take more concrete steps to address this issue. Turkey’s objections to Sweden’s membership in NATO have been ongoing, with the country citing concerns about Sweden’s anti-terror legislation and its perceived failure to prevent the organization of militant groups and anti-Islamic demonstrations.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has called a meeting of senior officials from Turkey, Sweden, and Finland for July 6 to try to overcome Turkish objections to Sweden joining the military alliance. However, it remains to be seen whether Sweden will be able to overcome Turkey’s concerns and become a full-fledged member of NATO. For now, Turkey’s conditional acceptance of Sweden’s membership suggests that the country is not yet willing to put aside its reservations and give its final approval.