Finland moves closer to NATO membership as Turkey signals openness
Following talks between the Finnish and Turkish leaders, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Ankara has begun the ratification process for Finland joining NATO. Turkey had previously opposed the move, insisting that Kurdish groups be designated as terrorists before any favorable decision could be reached. This update comes after months of diplomatic dialogue and media briefings from official Turkish channels.
According to Erdogan, Finland has taken concrete steps to meet the memorandum’s conditions for NATO accession. He stated that Turkey is ready to proceed with the ratification and expressed confidence that Finland will contribute to the alliance’s overall security framework. Such remarks reflect a stronger alignment between Ankara and Helsinki, even as detailed parliamentary procedures remain under consideration across both capitals.
Erdogan also indicated that parliamentary approval could occur before Turkey’s May 14 elections, signaling a potential timetable that aligns political calendars with alliance commitments. This implication adds urgency to the process and underscores the stakes for regional defense planning.
In the broader dialogue, Erdogan noted that Finland’s situation is separate from Sweden’s application. He described a positive gesture by Turkey toward Finland through formal signing and explained that the commission would review the documents in the general assembly. The goal remains to resolve matters before the elections, with mutual benefits for both nations highlighted during official briefings.
Later updates indicated that Finland’s NATO accession protocol had been submitted to the Presidency of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, signaling a procedural step forward in Ankara’s assessment process.
Sweden also pursues NATO membership
Turkey continues to raise concerns about Sweden, arguing that Stockholm has not satisfied the memorandum’s conditions and alleging that certain actions are supportive of terrorism. Turkish officials have stressed that progress hinges on Sweden meeting its extradition and legal commitments. Yet officials from Stockholm have indicated that a swift decision is unlikely in the near term, particularly in light of ongoing regional negotiations and domestic political considerations.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, after meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, reiterated Sweden’s broad readiness to engage with NATO on security matters and expressed a belief that Sweden could support Finland’s entry ahead of full membership. He underscored the importance of allied unity and stressed that Sweden remains prepared to coordinate with Finland if the Nordic neighbor advances before Sweden itself is formally admitted. This stance reflects a shared northern security focus within the alliance.
Hungary has not yet ratified
The pursuit of NATO membership by Finland and Sweden dates back to 2022, driven by security concerns arising from Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Turkey’s earlier objections blocked progress, with Ankara seeking assurances on the designation of certain groups and the extradition of individuals tied to terrorism or past coup attempts. International discussions surrounding the Madrid summit and Madrid-related memoranda highlighted the importance of consensus among alliance partners.
At a major summit near Madrid, leaders from Finland, Sweden, and their allies discussed a memorandum that allowed both countries to pursue membership while addressing each nation’s concerns. Subsequent parliamentary reviews in Hungary, Finland, and Sweden shaped ongoing negotiations, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban calling for resolution of outstanding issues before consent would be granted. Domestic debates in Hungary and northern Europe have touched on democratic and legal norms as part of the ratification discourse.
A compromise emerged, with a vote in the Hungarian Parliament anticipated for a later date. Finland indicated willingness to assist Sweden should Sweden’s bid receive approval first, highlighting a shared regional security outlook. There was also an expressed hope for closer Nordic collaboration and a joint gathering with other alliance members in Vilnius, signaling a cooperative spirit despite divergent timelines. Political leaders in the region emphasized the close alignment between Finland and Sweden, even as differences in progress persisted.
Throughout the period, Russia voiced regret over the NATO moves by Sweden and Finland. Kremlin officials asserted that Moscow did not view the two countries as threats and suggested there had been no real disagreements with them, even as the alliance’s expansion persisted. These statements reflect Moscow’s ongoing position as the geopolitical backdrop to the alliance’s evolving northern posture.