Finland joins NATO as Russia’s war rages on in Ukraine
1 year, 8 months ago

Finland joins NATO as Russia’s war rages on in Ukraine

Al Jazeera  

The Nordic nation becomes the 31st member of the world’s largest military alliance as Sweden waits to join. “This has been the fastest accession process in NATO’s history.” Finland President Sauli Väinämö Niinistö said membership was not “targeted against anyone”, adding his country was “stable and predictable”. Russia has long said NATO enlargement compromises its security and has promised to boost military capacity in its western and northwestern regions, in response to Finland’s membership. Just before accepting the documents, Blinken said: “I’m tempted to say this is maybe the one thing that we can thank Putin for.” Teivo Teivainen, professor of world politics at the University of Helsinki, told Al Jazeera: “Most people in Finland think that Finland is safe under the protection of the fifth article of NATO.” The idea behind Article 5 is that if one NATO member is attacked, every country in the alliance should take it as an act of aggression. On Tuesday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told Russia’s military leadership in a meeting that Finland’s accession “creates the risks of a significant expansion of the conflict” in Ukraine, according to a transcript published by his ministry.

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History of this topic

Finnish Independence Day: Finland’s journey from Cold War neutrality to NATO membership
2 weeks, 4 days ago

Finnish Independence Day: Finland’s journey from Cold War neutrality to NATO membership

The Hindu  

During the cold war, Finland was known as the border country between East and West. We have been full members of the European Union since 1995, and last year Finland joined the NATO defence alliance. For many years Finland cooperated closely with NATO without applying for membership. Rules-based order Finland believes that a rules-based international order with guiding principles regarding …

Hungarian official says there is ‘no consensus’ on inviting Ukraine to join NATO
2 weeks, 6 days ago

Hungarian official says there is ‘no consensus’ on inviting Ukraine to join NATO

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s foreign minister said a meeting of his counterparts from NATO member countries in Brussels on Wednesday had produced “no consensus” on the prospect of inviting Ukraine to join the transatlantic military alliance, a step Kyiv sees as an essential condition for bringing an end to Russia’s war. He warned that bringing Ukraine into NATO’s ranks “would …

NATO’s chief avoids talk of Ukraine’s membership. He says the priority is helping Kyiv defend itself
3 weeks ago

NATO’s chief avoids talk of Ukraine’s membership. He says the priority is helping Kyiv defend itself

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Tuesday sidestepped questions about Ukraine’s possible membership in the military alliance, saying that the priority now must be to strengthen the country’s hand in any future peace talks with Russia by sending it more weapons. Rutte’s remarks, ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, came days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said …

NATO’s newest members update their civil preparedness guides for risk of war
1 month ago

NATO’s newest members update their civil preparedness guides for risk of war

Associated Press  

HELSINKI — Sweden and Finland, which recently gave up neutrality and joined NATO following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sent out updated civil preparedness guides on Monday with instructions how to survive in war. In January, Sweden’s former military commander-in-chief Gen. Micael Bydén said it openly: Swedes should mentally prepare for the possibility of war. After a couple days, the …

NATO leaders are descending on Washington. Here’s what to know
5 months, 2 weeks ago

NATO leaders are descending on Washington. Here’s what to know

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — NATO leaders meet this week for a summit commemorating the 75th anniversary of the military alliance, which has never been larger and more focused but is also facing potentially existential threats from outside and within. Although the new British prime minister has signaled continued strong support for both NATO and Ukraine, gains made by far-right parties, as well …

NATO newcomer Finland is now a ‘front-line state’ for the alliance, Finnish president says
8 months ago

NATO newcomer Finland is now a ‘front-line state’ for the alliance, Finnish president says

Associated Press  

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Tuesday that joining the NATO alliance a year ago has transformed his country into a “front-line state,” given that it has doubled the military bloc’s border with Russia. Finland, which became the 31st NATO member in April 202 3, has a 1,340-kilometer land border with Russia that runs mostly through thick forests …

Sweden Joins NATO: Implications for the Indo-Pacific
8 months ago

Sweden Joins NATO: Implications for the Indo-Pacific

The Diplomat  

On March 7, almost two years after it first submitted its application and a year after Finland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Sweden officially became NATO’s 32nd member. Sweden’s new status as a full-fledged NATO member has certainly bolstered the alliance in face of the Russian challenge; as Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO secretary general lauded, it will make “NATO …

NATO marks its 75th birthday as Russia’s war in Ukraine gnaws at its unity
8 months, 2 weeks ago

NATO marks its 75th birthday as Russia’s war in Ukraine gnaws at its unity

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — NATO marked 75 years of collective defense across Europe and North America, with its top diplomats vowing on Thursday to stay the course in Ukraine as better-armed Russian troops assert control on the battlefield. “I didn’t want to spoil the birthday party for NATO, but I felt compelled to deliver a sobering message on behalf of Ukrainians about …

A year of living less dangerously? Finland’s first 12 months in NATO
8 months, 3 weeks ago

A year of living less dangerously? Finland’s first 12 months in NATO

Al Jazeera  

Finland’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been to move away from policy of self-reliance and embrace the alliance. Tuomas Iso-Markku, a senior research fellow at FIIA, said the move would require Finland’s foreign policy leadership and the Finnish Defence Forces to “adjust their way of thinking and doing things”. However, Pusztai said that this minority is “not very …

Central and Eastern European countries mark 20 years in NATO with focus on war in Ukraine
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Central and Eastern European countries mark 20 years in NATO with focus on war in Ukraine

Associated Press  

VILNIUS, Lithuania — Several central and Eastern European countries began marking on Thursday the 20th anniversary of the largest expansion of the NATO military alliance when formerly socialist countries became members of the bloc. However, we in Lithuania are calm because we know that we will never be alone again,” said President Gitanas Nauseda, standing near the runway where the …

Nordic tensions on the rise amid Russian anger over NATO accessions
9 months, 1 week ago

Nordic tensions on the rise amid Russian anger over NATO accessions

Al Jazeera  

Finland PM urges EU to step up defence spending and coordination, as tensions rise with Russia following NATO accession. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Wednesday warned that Moscow is gearing up for a “long conflict with the West” and Denmark revealed plans to boost defence spending, as Russia continued to condemn the expansion of the Western military alliance in …

Sweden’s flag is raised at NATO headquarters to cement its place as the 32nd member of the alliance
9 months, 1 week ago

Sweden’s flag is raised at NATO headquarters to cement its place as the 32nd member of the alliance

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Sweden’s flag was raised at NATO headquarters on Monday, cementing the Nordic country’s place as the 32nd member two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine persuaded its reluctant public to seek safety under the alliance’s security umbrella. Under a steady rain, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Crown Princess Victoria and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg looked on as …

Flag of NATO’s 32nd member, Sweden, raised at alliance’s headquarters
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Flag of NATO’s 32nd member, Sweden, raised at alliance’s headquarters

Al Jazeera  

Sweden’s flag has been raised at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, marking the country’s entry into the military alliance two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg looked on as two soldiers on Monday raised the blue banner emblazoned with a yellow cross among the official circle of national flags at …

Sweden ends decades of neutrality to formally join NATO alliance
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Sweden ends decades of neutrality to formally join NATO alliance

Live Mint  

Sweden on Thursday became the 32nd member of NATO in the shadow of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, turning the page on two centuries of non-alignment and capping two years of tortuous diplomacy. President Joe Biden, whose rival Donald Trump has disparaged NATO as unfairly burdening the United States, said in a statement that the alliance was stronger and "more united, …

Sweden officially joins NATO as alliance's 32nd member
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Sweden officially joins NATO as alliance's 32nd member

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Sweden on Thursday formally joined NATO as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality and centuries of broader non-alignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “Instead, in May 2022, Sweden and Finland — two of our close partners, with two …

Sweden officially joins NATO, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Sweden officially joins NATO, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality

LA Times  

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, right, poses at the State Department with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, holding Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession. Sweden on Thursday formally joined NATO as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality and centuries of broader nonalignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe …

Victim of US' European security trap
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Victim of US' European security trap

China Daily  

A B-1B Lancer and a B-52 Stratofortress, escorted by Swedish Jas 39 Gripen, pass over Stockholm, Sweden, as the Swedish Armed Forces conduct a joint exercise with the US Bomber Task Force, March 6, 2024. Public support in Sweden for NATO membership surged from 35 percent in 2021 to 64 percent in 2022 after Russia launched its "special military operation" …

Victim of US' European security trap
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Victim of US' European security trap

China Daily  

A B-1B Lancer and a B-52 Stratofortress, escorted by Swedish Jas 39 Gripen, pass over Stockholm, Sweden, as the Swedish Armed Forces conduct a joint exercise with the US Bomber Task Force, March 6, 2024. Public support in Sweden for NATO membership surged from 35 percent in 2021 to 64 percent in 2022 after Russia launched its "special military operation" …

Why did Sweden join NATO even though Putin warned of harsh ramifications?
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Why did Sweden join NATO even though Putin warned of harsh ramifications?

India TV News  

Washington: Sweden on Thursday formally joined NATO as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality as concerns about Russian aggression in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “Our NATO alliance is now stronger, larger than it’s ever been.” CREDIT: AP What is NATO and why Sweden seeks NATO membership? …

Sweden officially joins NATO alliance, ending decades of neutrality
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Sweden officially joins NATO alliance, ending decades of neutrality

Al Jazeera  

The Nordic nation applied to join the military alliance in May 2022, but faced delays from Turkey and Hungary. Sweden has officially joined the NATO military alliance, ending decades of neutrality amid soaring concerns about Russia’s aggression in Europe following its invasion of Ukraine. “Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding lights as a NATO member,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf …

Newly enlarged NATO starts drill in Finland, Norway, Sweden in defence of its Nordic turf
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Newly enlarged NATO starts drill in Finland, Norway, Sweden in defence of its Nordic turf

The Hindu  

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, on March 4, will kick off an exercise to defend its newly expanded Nordic territory when more than 20,000 soldiers from 13 nations take part in drills lasting for nearly two weeks in the northern regions of Finland, Norway and Sweden. “With more than 4,000 Finnish soldiers taking part, the Norway-led Nordic Response 2024 represents the …

As Sweden joins NATO, it bids farewell to more than two centuries of neutrality
9 months, 3 weeks ago

As Sweden joins NATO, it bids farewell to more than two centuries of neutrality

LA Times  

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, left, shakes hands with his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orban, in Budapest. “Sweden is now leaving 200 years of neutrality and nonalignment behind us,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said after Hungary’s Parliament gave its approval Feb. 26, overcoming the final hurdle. Preserved in the Swedish National Archives and considered the oldest document on Sweden’s neutrality, …

Explained: How Sweden joining NATO is a win-win for both sides
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Explained: How Sweden joining NATO is a win-win for both sides

Firstpost  

Sweden will finally get to join NATO after Hungary passed a vote on the same. The military alliance will now have 32 members after Hungary, the final hurdle in Sweden’s path to membership, held a parliamentary vote to approve the move. Sweden’s prime minister Ulf Kristersson hailed the moment of the country joining NATO. The Wilson Centre in one of …

Sweden’s NATO accession ends era of go-it-alone security
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Sweden’s NATO accession ends era of go-it-alone security

The Hindu  

Sweden's final hurdle to joining NATO was swept away on February 26 after hold-out Hungary's ratification, ending 200 years during which Stockholm's military self-reliance helped it build a global brand as neutral peacemaker and human rights champion. "Sweden's historically strong voice on the issues of peace and disarmament seems to be going silent," said Kerstin Bergea, chairperson of the Swedish …

Timeline of Sweden’s bid to join the NATO alliance
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Timeline of Sweden’s bid to join the NATO alliance

Associated Press  

STOCKHOLM — Hungary’s parliament approved Sweden’s application to join NATO on Monday, paving the way for the Scandinavian country to become the alliance’s 32nd member. May 15, 2022: Andersson’s Social Democrats reverse course, saying Sweden would be better off joining NATO together with Finland. July 10, 2023: At a NATO summit in Lithuania, leaders say that Erdogan has promised to …

Here’s what to know about Sweden’s bumpy road toward NATO membership
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Here’s what to know about Sweden’s bumpy road toward NATO membership

Associated Press  

STOCKHOLM — Sweden’s bid to join NATO — held up for almost two years — cleared its last hurdle when Hungary gave its go-ahead Monday to let the Nordic country into the alliance. Now the parliament in Hungary has ratified Sweden’s bid to join NATO, bringing an end to more than 18 months of delays by the nationalist government. Not …

Hungary’s parliament ratifies Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle to membership
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Hungary’s parliament ratifies Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle to membership

LA Times  

Photographers take pictures as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, center right, stands after addressing a parliament session on the day lawmakers approved Sweden’s accession into NATO in Budapest, Hungary, on Monday. The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán submitted the protocols for approving Sweden’s entry into NATO in July 2022, but the matter had stalled in parliament over opposition by …

Hungary ratifies Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing final obstacle to membership
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Hungary ratifies Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing final obstacle to membership

Al Jazeera  

Vote by Hungarian parliament ends more than 18 months of delays. “We stand ready to shoulder our share of the responsibility for NATO’s security,” Kristersson wrote on X. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said the military alliance would soon be “stronger”. “Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer.” Orban, a right-wing populist who has forged close ties with Russia, …

Hungary and Sweden agree on defense deal ahead of final vote on Sweden’s NATO accession
10 months ago

Hungary and Sweden agree on defense deal ahead of final vote on Sweden’s NATO accession

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — The prime ministers of Hungary and Sweden concluded a defense industry agreement on Friday that will expand Budapest’s fleet of Swedish-built fighter jets, paving the way for Hungary’s likely ratification of Sweden’s long-delayed NATO bid. Kristersson made the trip to Hungary after repeated invitations to do so by the Hungarian government, something Orbán had hinted would be …

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg calls on Europe to ramp up arms production
10 months, 2 weeks ago

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg calls on Europe to ramp up arms production

The Hindu  

NATO's secretary general Jens Stoltenberg called on Europe to increase its arms production to support Ukraine and prevent "potentially decades of confrontation" with Moscow, in an interview published by German media on February 10. Ahead of a key meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels and the second anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, Jens Stoltenberg insisted that "we need to …

US lawmakers call on Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán to immediately approve Sweden’s NATO membership
10 months, 3 weeks ago

US lawmakers call on Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán to immediately approve Sweden’s NATO membership

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers are urging Hungary to immediately ratify Sweden’s application to join NATO, saying patience with the Central European country is “wearing thin” as it continues to delay its approval for the Nordic nation. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, and Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, called on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor …

Europe's risk coefficient not reduced by NATO's expansion
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Europe's risk coefficient not reduced by NATO's expansion

China Daily  

On Tuesday, after 20 months of haggling, the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye approved a motion on Sweden's membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In July 2023, Turkiye proposed at the NATO summit that it would give a green light to Sweden's entry to NATO in exchange for the purchase of 40 F-16 fighter planes from the United States. …

NATO chief upbeat that Sweden could be ready to join the alliance by March
10 months, 4 weeks ago

NATO chief upbeat that Sweden could be ready to join the alliance by March

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed optimism on Friday that Sweden could be ready to join the military organization by March, after receiving positive signals this week from holdouts Hungary and Turkey. “Sweden’s entry into NATO will make the whole alliance stronger,” Stoltenberg told reporters as he provided details about talks this with week with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor …

Finns go to the polls Sunday to elect a new president at a time of increased tension with Russia
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Finns go to the polls Sunday to elect a new president at a time of increased tension with Russia

Associated Press  

HELSINKI — Finns will vote Sunday to elect a new president at an unprecedented time: the Nordic nation is now a NATO member following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and its eastern border with Russia is closed, both almost unthinkable a few years ago. Unlike in most European countries, the president of Finland holds executive power in formulating foreign and security …

Here’s what to know about Sweden’s bumpy road toward NATO membership
11 months ago

Here’s what to know about Sweden’s bumpy road toward NATO membership

Associated Press  

STOCKHOLM — Sweden’s bid to join NATO — held up for almost two years — cleared its next-to-last hurdle when Turkey gave its go-ahead this week to let the Nordic country into the alliance. All existing NATO countries must give their approval before a new member can join the alliance, and Hungary is now the only member that hasn’t given …

EXPLAINED: Turkey finally agrees to let Sweden join NATO bloc after 18 months of tough negotiations
11 months, 4 weeks ago

EXPLAINED: Turkey finally agrees to let Sweden join NATO bloc after 18 months of tough negotiations

India TV News  

Sweden edged closer toward joining NATO on Tuesday after the Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee greenlighted a protocol for the Nordic country’s membership in the military alliance. Turkey’s opposition to Swedish membership in NATO stemmed from its belief that the Nordic country has been too soft toward supporters of Kurdish militants and other groups in Sweden that Ankara views as …

Here’s what to know about Turkey’s decision to move forward with Sweden’s bid to join NATO
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Here’s what to know about Turkey’s decision to move forward with Sweden’s bid to join NATO

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Sweden edged closer toward joining NATO on Tuesday after the Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee greenlighted a protocol for the Nordic country’s membership in the military alliance. Turkey’s opposition to Swedish membership in NATO stemmed from its belief that the Nordic country has been too soft toward supporters of Kurdish militants and other groups in Sweden that …

Sweden moves a step closer to NATO membership after Turkey’s parliamentary committee gives approval
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Sweden moves a step closer to NATO membership after Turkey’s parliamentary committee gives approval

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — The Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee gave its consent to Sweden’s bid to join NATO on Tuesday, drawing the previously nonaligned Nordic country closer to membership in the Western military alliance. The Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee had begun discussing Sweden’s membership in NATO last month. Sweden’s membership will make NATO stronger.” Hungary has also stalled Sweden’s …

Here’s what to know about Turkey’s decision to move forward with Sweden’s bid to join NATO
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Here’s what to know about Turkey’s decision to move forward with Sweden’s bid to join NATO

LA Times  

Sweden edged closer toward joining NATO on Tuesday after the Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee greenlighted a protocol for the Nordic country’s membership in the military alliance. Turkey’s opposition to Swedish membership in NATO stemmed from its belief that the Nordic country has been too soft toward supporters of Kurdish militants and other groups in Sweden that Ankara views as …

Putin threatening Finland and preparing for potential war with Nato, warns think tank
1 year ago

Putin threatening Finland and preparing for potential war with Nato, warns think tank

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Vladimir Putin is preparing for …

Russia slams West, NATO; warns of 'problems' with Finland
1 year ago

Russia slams West, NATO; warns of 'problems' with Finland

Firstpost  

With Finland joining NATO, the security environment in northern Europe underwent a notable change, with the alliance’s border with Russia expanding by more than 1,300 kilometres Following Finland’s entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning about “problems” with the country, CNN reported. All disputes, including those of a territorial …

Finland, NATO's Newest Member, Will Sign a Defence Pact with the United States
1 year ago

Finland, NATO's Newest Member, Will Sign a Defence Pact with the United States

News 18  

NATO’s newest member, Finland, which shares a border with Russia, is to sign a bilateral defence cooperation agreement next week with the United States in a deal that allows Washington to send troops into the Nordic country to bolster its defence and store weapons and military equipment there, among other things. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen told a news conference …

Finland, NATO’s newest member, will sign a defense pact with the United States
1 year ago

Finland, NATO’s newest member, will sign a defense pact with the United States

Associated Press  

HELSINKI — NATO’s newest member, Finland, which shares a border with Russia, is to sign a bilateral defense cooperation agreement next week with the United States in a deal that allows Washington to send troops into the Nordic country to bolster its defense and store weapons and military equipment there, among other things. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen told a …

'We will get even stronger': NATO member-to-be Sweden and US ink defence deal
1 year ago

'We will get even stronger': NATO member-to-be Sweden and US ink defence deal

Firstpost  

With Sweden on the verge of joining NATO, the country has inked a defence cooperation agreement with the United States which grants Washington access to all of Sweden’s military bases, with the aim of enhancing regional security With Sweden on the verge of joining NATO, the country has inked a defence cooperation agreement with the United States which grants Washington …

NATO member-to-be Sweden and the US sign defense deal, saying it strengthens regional security
1 year ago

NATO member-to-be Sweden and the US sign defense deal, saying it strengthens regional security

Associated Press  

STOCKHOLM — On the brink of joining NATO, Sweden has signed a defense cooperation agreement with Washington that will allow the United States access to all of the military bases across the Scandinavian country, saying the deal would bolster regional security. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said the deal, signed in Washington Tuesday, “will create better conditions for Sweden to …

Erdogan to visit Budapest next month as Turkey and Hungary hold up Sweden’s membership in NATO
1 year ago

Erdogan to visit Budapest next month as Turkey and Hungary hold up Sweden’s membership in NATO

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Hungary’s capital in December, his second trip to Budapest this year at a time when both countries remain the only NATO members not to have ratified Sweden’s accession into the trans-Atlantic military alliance. It wasn’t clear whether Erdogan and Orbán would discuss Sweden’s NATO membership, which has been delayed for …

NATO chief urges allies to ‘stay the course’ in supporting Ukraine
1 year ago

NATO chief urges allies to ‘stay the course’ in supporting Ukraine

Al Jazeera  

Jens Stoltenberg meets alliance’s top diplomats amid some resistance in US, Europe to keep funding war against Russia. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has urged members of the security alliance to continue backing Ukraine in its battle against Russia’s invasion amid opposition in the United States to a military aid package and resistance in Europe for a longer-term support plan for …

Erdogan pledges to facilitate Sweden's NATO membership bid
1 year, 1 month ago

Erdogan pledges to facilitate Sweden's NATO membership bid

Firstpost  

President of Turkey Tayyip Erdogan stated that he would do everything in his power to help Sweden’s parliamentary ratification of its NATO membership, but he also pointed out that Stockhom had not yet taken enough action against Kurdish militants. Last month, Erdogan approved Sweden’s application to join NATO and sent the bill to parliament for ratification. Speaking to reporters on …

Hungary in the spotlight after Turkey presses on with Sweden’s bid to join NATO
1 year, 2 months ago

Hungary in the spotlight after Turkey presses on with Sweden’s bid to join NATO

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — The Hungarian parliament on Tuesday refused a proposal to hold a vote on Sweden’s bid to join NATO, further delaying the Nordic country’s inclusion in the military alliance. The governing Fidesz party — led by populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán who is widely considered one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s only allies in the EU — which …

Turkey’s Erdogan submits Sweden’s bid for NATO membership to parliament
1 year, 2 months ago

Turkey’s Erdogan submits Sweden’s bid for NATO membership to parliament

Al Jazeera  

Move comes after months of back-and-forth with western countries over new additions to alliance amid war in Ukraine. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a bill on Sweden’s NATO membership bid to parliament, after months of back-and-forth with Western countries over the issue. Since parliament reopened, however, Turkish officials have repeatedly said Stockholm needed to take more concrete steps …

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