Fahrettin Altun, who heads the communications directorate of Turkey’s presidential administration, authored an article in a Swedish newspaper to address the ongoing NATO accession talks. He argued that Sweden cannot join NATO while bilateral disagreements remain unresolved.
The central accusation centers on Sweden’s alleged support for members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, a group banned by Turkish authorities. Altun asserted that Turkey, a nation that has faced terrorism on its soil, is actively opposed to what he described as double standards in the international response.
Based on this history, Altun stated that it is not acceptable for Turkey to observe Sweden pursuing NATO membership without a reassessment of its stance. He emphasized that for the alliance to be effective, it must address concerns about groups Turkey views as threats to both Turkish citizens and regional security.
Altun also suggested that it would be inappropriate for Sweden to grant asylum to individuals linked to violent acts attributed to PKK factions, including those accused of crimes against people in Turkey.
While noting there is no imminent Turkish change in its position, he warned that Sweden cannot expect a guarantee of NATO support if Ankara’s legitimate concerns are left unaddressed. He asserted that Sweden should recognize that NATO’s strength includes the willingness of its member states to evaluate risk and responsibility when facing regional terrorism concerns.
Earlier, Turkish officials blocked the opening of negotiations in NATO regarding the accession of Sweden and Finland, signaling a pause in the process. At the same time, there was prior reporting that Turkey favored Sweden and Finland joining NATO and had expectations related to sanctions relief from the United States, along with potential acquisition plans for advanced weaponry.
Ankara has also been pursuing a new request from the United States for a deal involving F-16 fighter jets and upgrade kits for Turkey’s current fleet. In response, Turkey has called on Sweden and Finland to publicly condemn the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and several other countries. It has also urged these nations, together with many EU members, to suspend arms export restrictions to Turkey.
The overall message from Turkish authorities underscores the intertwining of security concerns, regional stability, and NATO enlargement dynamics. It points to the expectation that allied partners demonstrate clear alignment on counterterrorism commitments and on how to address groups Turkey regards as a direct threat to its national security. The discussion reflects broader tensions surrounding NATO expansion and the conditions under which new members can be welcomed into the alliance while maintaining a consensus on shared security objectives.
Observers note that the interplay between Sweden’s asylum policies, Turkey’s counterterrorism priorities, and the strategic calculus of NATO members will continue to influence negotiations. The evolving dialogue highlights the need for transparent accountability and concrete steps from all parties to bridge remaining gaps and advance a united approach to regional security.