But in the Lithuanian capital, where NATO leaders are gathering for a two-day summit, the Swedish delegation is refraining from celebrating. “Champagne will have to wait until approval,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson told Politico. “So we got together in the conference room and drank beer.
If approved, the Swedish leader said, “Maybe we’ll have champagne.”
Sweden applied for NATO membership alongside Finland in 2022 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, despite legislative changes to address Turkish concerns about Kurdish groups, Stockholm’s effort stalled as it met opposition from Turkey and Hungary.
As part of the agreement announced on Monday, Ankara and Stockholm agreed to create a new bilateral security agreement and strengthen economic cooperation. “We have long been committed to the fight against extremism and the fight against organized crime,” the Prime Minister said.
In exchange for Sweden’s involvement, Erdogan agreed to hand over its accession protocol, according to a joint statement released on Monday.
Asked if he had received assurances from Erdogan that approval would be given in due time, the Swedish prime minister expressed confidence in the process, but acknowledged that the ball is in the court of the Turkish legislature. “Parliaments are parliaments and they have to make their own decisions,” Christerson said.
“Of course I hope it will happen,” insisted the Swedish leader.