On Monday, 18 July, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan once again threatened «freezing» Sweden’s and Finland’s NATO entry procedure if they do not comply with Ankara’s demands, as reported by LETA with reference to French news agency AFP.
«I would like to remind once again that if these countries do not take the necessary steps to fulfill our conditions, we will freeze the [accession] process. Sweden in particular is not projecting a good image,» Turkey’s president told journalists.
Turkey accuses both countries of providing asylum to Kurdish militants, especially members of Kurdistan Workers’ Party.
On 5 July 30 ambassadors of NATO member states signed protocols of accession of both countries, which was followed by the ratification in all 30 NATO member states. The entire procedure is expected to take several months.
For years Finland and Sweden remained neutral and refrained from joining the alliance, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has radically changed the security situation in Europe. This is why the general opinion of politicians and residents in both countries has shifted towards joining NATO.
During NATO summit in Madrid, when Turkey had presented objections for the first time, Finland and Sweden were officially invited to join NATO.
Turkey opposes both countries joining the alliance, accusing both Sweden and Finland of providing asylum to members of Kurdish militant groups that fight against the Turkish government.
Ankara is also unhappy that in 2019, when Turkey commenced its military operation against Syrian Kurds, Stockholm and Helsinki imposed sanctions on supply of arms to Turkey.
Countries did reach an agreement, however, and Finland and Sweden also agreed to review Turkey’s request for deportation or extradition of persons suspected to terrorism. Finland and Sweden have also agreed to lift the embargo on arms supplies to Turkey.