Good reasons to increase the pace into NATO

The NATO process is moving forward. But it is in a hurry and several steps remain to get Sweden and Finland into the defense alliance, according to Foreign Minister Tobias Billström (M).

– Every day that goes by without us being members is a lost day, he tells TT after a meeting with US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken.

Tobias Billström and the Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto met Antony Blinken in Washington on Thursday. Billström has also had meetings with senators from both parties in Congress during the trip.

Sweden’s and Finland’s applications to NATO were in focus.

– From the Swedish government’s side, we are very grateful for the support the USA has given. Everyone I meet here is very clear about how much they welcome Sweden and Finland, says Billström on the phone from the US.

“A few things remain”

Turkey and Hungary are the only NATO countries that have not yet ratified the Swedish and Finnish applications. This summer, Sweden and Finland concluded an agreement with Turkey with a series of points that must be fulfilled in order for Turkey to give the green light.

While Hungary has said it is ready to say yes early next year, Turkey has made no such commitments.

TT: What information have you received about how the US views the situation in the NATO process?

– We all believe that Sweden and Finland are beginning to approach the time when all parts of the memorandum will be able to be fulfilled. After all, the memorandum was written between Sweden, Finland and Turkey, not the United States, and we are the ones who have to do the work. The process is moving forward, but there are still some things to do, says Billström.

The Swedish foreign minister mentions the work to get through a constitutional amendment in the Riksdag to be able to tighten the terrorist crime legislation and the possibility of exporting defense equipment to Turkey.

No fixed time limits

Tobias Billström does not know when Sweden and Finland can be members of NATO.

– We do not work with fixed time limits. It is important to understand that the process does not always benefit from fixed time limits. The important thing is that we keep our focus on becoming members as soon as possible, he says.

Billström says that it is urgent to strengthen security in view of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.

– There are many good reasons why we should increase the pace and ensure that Sweden and Finland become members as soon as possible.

TT: Did you and Blinken talk about what the US can do to appease Turkey?

– It is above all important to keep an eye on the memorandum. We are the ones who signed it. But we naturally welcome the USA’s strong and unceasing support for us to become members.

The foundation sets limits

At a joint press meeting with Blinken and Haavisto, Billström emphasized that the agreement with Turkey can only be fulfilled with regard to the Swedish constitution.

TT: Do you feel that the agreement challenges the constitution?

– No, I have experienced that the Turkish government has clearly become aware that the Swedish constitution sets up borders. For example, that it is impossible for the Swedish government to influence the outcome in courts or to influence the Swedish foundation of freedom of expression, that it is free to express one’s thoughts, says Billström.

Blinken emphasized at the same press conference that progress has been made in the negotiations between Sweden, Finland and Turkey and that he believes in joining NATO soon.

– Both countries have taken significant, concrete steps to fulfill their commitments.