Turkey’s parliament will wait to approve Sweden’s NATO application until the end of December, or possibly the beginning of 2024.
That assessment is made by representatives of the governing party AKP, according to Turkish media.
According to the sources within the AKP, “Sweden’s next step will be monitored” during the ongoing approval process, writes the newspaper Cumhuriyet on Thursday.
The same sources say that the AKP “will not be in a hurry” and that the approval process in parliament may only take place in December in connection with budget discussions – but that it is more likely to be postponed until after the New Year.
Several Turkish parties are said to be doubtful about Sweden, but the AKP representatives say that they expect the parliament to ratify the application with a clear majority.
According to the protocol that Turkish President Erdogan submitted to the parliament, it is also emphasized that Sweden committed to “strongly support Turkey’s EU membership process”.
Hungary’s new demands
It is not only Turkey that is delaying Sweden’s NATO process.
Before Hungary ratifies Sweden’s NATO application, an “explanation” is required, according to Hungarian Minister Gergely Gulyás.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) responded to the play
– I have said many times that each parliament must make its own decisions,
I have respect for that. It applies to Turkey and it applies to Hungary, says
he.