Billström welcomes tonight’s announcement from Turkey and calls it “gratifying”. He points out that Sweden has fulfilled its part of the agreements drawn up at various NATO summits.
At the same time, he says that the announcement comes in connection with the US announcing that it is proceeding with the sale of F16 planes to Turkey. According to Billström, Sweden has nothing to do with the sale.
– Those deals concern three states – Turkey, Greece and the USA. Sweden has not been involved in those deals.
One country left to approve
Hungary is now the only country that has not approved Sweden as a NATO member. The country’s parliament does not open until the end of February, but there is the possibility of calling it earlier, which the opposition in Hungary also demanded.
This week, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán invited Ulf Kristersson to Hungary for “negotiations” regarding Sweden’s application. Kristersson replied in a letter on Thursday that he is happy to talk to Orbán, but that they can meet in connection with the European Council meeting in Brussels on February 1.
Sees no obstacles to a Hungarian approval
Tobias Billström says that he expects a quick process from the Hungarian side.
– I expect the Hungarian parliament to be called in as soon as possible and complete the ratification. We feel very strong support from the other NATO countries in favor of this.
Billström says he hopes the ratification will be completed soon, and that he sees no obstacles to that happening.
– Hungary had no reservations about Sweden being invited as a NATO member and has not had any objections after that either, he says.
Is it necessary for Hungary to call the parliament extra before it opens?
– We see no reason for unnecessary delays and we see nothing that should delay the process, we expect Hungary to do what they have committed to do.