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Membership Bid

All articles tagged with #membership bid

Turkey Approves Sweden's NATO Membership Bid, Overcoming Roadblocks
international-relations2 years ago

Turkey Approves Sweden's NATO Membership Bid, Overcoming Roadblocks

Turkey officially approved Sweden's NATO membership bid, bringing Sweden one step closer to ending over two centuries of neutrality. The bid passed in Turkey's Parliament and awaits approval from Hungary, the last NATO member country that must endorse the proposal. Prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden decided to pursue NATO membership, with Finnish membership last April. Turkish President Erdogan had previously objected to both memberships but ultimately agreed in July. The conflicting comments from Hungarian leaders make the timeline for any potential vote unclear, with Hungary's next Parliamentary legislative session set to begin on Feb. 1.

"Turkey to Finally Approve Sweden's NATO Membership Bid"
international-relations2 years ago

"Turkey to Finally Approve Sweden's NATO Membership Bid"

Turkey's parliament is expected to approve Sweden's NATO membership bid, marking a significant step in expanding the Western military alliance after 20 months of delays. Once ratified, Sweden's accession would only require approval from Hungary, which has invited Sweden's prime minister to negotiate joining the bloc. Turkey's delays in approving Sweden's bid have frustrated some Western allies and have been linked to U.S. approval of fighter jet sales to Turkey.

EU Considers Advancing Ukraine's Membership Bid Amid Ongoing Russian War
europe2 years ago

EU Considers Advancing Ukraine's Membership Bid Amid Ongoing Russian War

The European Union (EU) executive is expected to recommend advancing Ukraine's membership bid this week, a significant step for Kyiv as weariness sets in nearly two years after Russia's invasion. The recommendation will inform a key decision in December by EU leaders on whether to start formal membership negotiations with Ukraine. While talks take years and require meeting extensive criteria, advancing Western integration remains a top priority for Ukraine. The EU Commission praised Ukraine for its progress in areas such as justice system reforms and tackling corruption, expressing confidence that Ukraine will complete the remaining steps. Germany's foreign minister also expressed confidence in advancing Ukraine's bid. Moldova and Georgia, also hopefuls for EU membership, will be covered in the Commission's report as well.

EU Considers Accelerating Ukraine's Membership Bid Amid Ongoing Russian Conflict
international-relations2 years ago

EU Considers Accelerating Ukraine's Membership Bid Amid Ongoing Russian Conflict

The European Union (EU) executive is expected to recommend advancing Ukraine's bid for EU membership this week, as weariness sets in nearly two years after Russia's invasion. The EU's progress report, to be published on Wednesday, will inform a key decision in December on whether to start formal membership negotiations with Kyiv. While Ukraine has made progress in meeting the EU's conditions, talks would still take years before the country can join. Moldova and Georgia are also mentioned in the report, with Moldova potentially receiving a positive recommendation alongside Ukraine, while Georgia has not satisfied all the conditions for candidate country status.

Sweden's NATO bid submitted to Turkish parliament for ratification by Erdogan
international-relations2 years ago

Sweden's NATO bid submitted to Turkish parliament for ratification by Erdogan

Turkish President Erdogan has submitted a bill approving Sweden's NATO membership bid to parliament for ratification, clearing the way for Sweden to join the Western defense alliance. While Erdogan had previously raised objections over Sweden's alleged harboring of terrorists, the move comes after Sweden took steps to clamp down on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militia. Sweden's Prime Minister welcomed the development, but there is no set timeframe for ratification. Turkey's approval of Sweden's NATO bid is seen as a positive step in strengthening the alliance.

"Turkey's President Erdogan Submits Sweden's NATO Bid for Ratification"

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has submitted Sweden's bid for NATO membership to the Turkish parliament, potentially paving the way for Sweden to join the alliance. The move comes as Sweden seeks to strengthen its security ties amid concerns over Russia's military activities in the Baltic Sea region. The Turkish parliament will now review and vote on Sweden's membership bid.

"Erdogan Presents Sweden's NATO Bid to Turkish Parliament for Approval"
international-relations2 years ago

"Erdogan Presents Sweden's NATO Bid to Turkish Parliament for Approval"

Turkish President Erdogan has submitted a bill on Sweden's NATO membership bid to parliament, following months of discussions and objections over security concerns. Turkey had previously demanded that Sweden take stronger action against the PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU, and the US. The bill will now be reviewed by the foreign affairs commission before being sent to the general assembly for ratification. Turkey's opposition to Sweden's bid was lifted after receiving assurances from Sweden regarding Turkey's EU membership aspirations and the US signaling its willingness to sell fighter jets to Turkey.

"Biden Expresses Full Support for Sweden's NATO Bid in Meeting with Prime Minister"
international-relations2 years ago

"Biden Expresses Full Support for Sweden's NATO Bid in Meeting with Prime Minister"

President Biden expressed his strong support for Sweden's bid to join NATO during a meeting with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. However, Turkey's opposition, citing concerns about Kurdish exiles and refugees, has stalled Sweden's membership. With less than a week until the NATO summit, the inclusion of Sweden seems unlikely at this time. Other NATO members have approved Sweden's membership, except for Hungary, which is waiting for Turkey's approval. President Biden has voiced support for Sweden's membership and has also expressed interest in selling F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. The issue remains critical for NATO, as it seeks to maintain unity amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Ukraine's NATO Membership: A Vital Step for Security and Stability
international-relations2 years ago

Ukraine's NATO Membership: A Vital Step for Security and Stability

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba warns that it would be "suicidal" for Europe not to accept Ukraine into NATO after the war with Russia is over, as it would leave the option of war open. Kuleba pushes back against Germany and others advocating against a commitment, citing the 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest when Ukraine's membership was rejected, leading to Russian aggression in Georgia and the illegal annexation of Crimea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks NATO membership for Ukraine, and Kuleba emphasizes the importance of shutting the door on Russian aggression by accepting Ukraine into NATO.

"NATO Membership for Sweden in Jeopardy Amid Anti-Turkish Protests and Russian-Ukraine Conflict"
politics2 years ago

"NATO Membership for Sweden in Jeopardy Amid Anti-Turkish Protests and Russian-Ukraine Conflict"

Turkish President Erdogan stated that Turkey will not support Sweden's NATO membership bid unless anti-Turkish protests in Stockholm are prevented. Turkey accuses Sweden of harboring members of Kurdish militant groups it considers terrorists. Talks between Turkey, Sweden, Finland, and NATO officials are ongoing to address Turkish objections to Sweden's NATO membership bid. Sweden says it has upheld its part of a deal struck with Turkey in Madrid aimed at addressing Ankara's security concerns.

Erdogan dismisses Sweden's NATO aspirations at Vilnius summit.
politics2 years ago

Erdogan dismisses Sweden's NATO aspirations at Vilnius summit.

Turkish President Erdogan has refused to ratify Sweden's NATO membership bid before the military alliance meets in July, stating that Sweden has not fully addressed his security concerns. Turkey accuses Sweden of being too lenient towards groups that Ankara says pose a security threat, including Kurdish armed organisations and people accused of associations with a failed coup attempt against Erdogan's government in 2016. NATO requires the unanimous approval of all existing members to expand, and Turkey and Hungary are the only countries that have not yet ratified Sweden's request to join.