Ex-Swedish PM: Finland entering NATO first 'not good for Sweden'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Mar 2023 14:47
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Current PM Ulf Kristersson acknowledges that it was "not out of the question" regarding Sweden and Finland's separate membership ratification, which rests in the hands of Turkey.

Sweden's former PM Magdalena Andersson after the budget vote in the Swedish parliament on November 24, 2021. (AFP)

The plan to "walk this path together" between Finland and Sweden is out of the question, with the former more likely to join NATO before Sweden, as Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed during a press briefing.

The former Swedish PM and top Social Democrat Magdalena Andersson, however, took this in a negative light by saying, "It is clear that it would not be good for Sweden. It would also be a setback for NATO's 'open doors policy,'"

Moderate party leader Kristersson acknowledged that it was "not out of the question", regarding Sweden and Finland's separate membership ratification - which rests in the hands of Turkey. He stressed that Sweden can manage Finland entering NATO without Sweden, but seemed to be sure that it won't be a long-term issue.

Sweden's chief negotiator in the NATO process, Oscar Stenstrom, agreed, as he said Sweden conducted "confidential talks" with Turkey who believes that Sweden still has time to fulfill the Madrid agreement concerning measures against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a terrorist organization.

Read more: Unless Madrid deal implemented, Turkey to block Sweden NATO bid: FM

"The corresponding dissatisfaction was not expressed against Finland, which can be interpreted as Turkiye thinking that Finland has come much further in fulfilling its part of the memorandum," Stenstrom stated.

Leaving Sweden vulnerable

Andersson told Swedish media that "it is clear that it would not be good for Sweden. It would also be a setback for NATO's 'open doors policy,'" as she warned of the risk of endangering military cooperation between both Nordic countries.

Professor of political science at the Swedish Defense Academy, Kjell Engelbrekt, suggested likewise that security cooperation would be shaken if Finland joins NATO solo. Engelbrekt warned this case makes Sweden more susceptible to influence operations and military attacks.

Turkey and Hungary are the only NATO members still to ratify Sweden and Finland's bids, which must be accepted by all 30 existing members of the military alliance.

Ankara suspended negotiations with Sweden in outrage following rallies attacking the Turkish leadership in Stockholm and the burning of the holy Quran outside Turkey's embassy, but the talks resumed in Brussels on March 9.