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Turkey Approves Sweden's NATO Membership Bid
Erdogan Drops Objections and Supports Sweden's Accession
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to back Sweden's bid to join NATO, paving the way for Sweden to become a part of the military alliance. This decision comes after Erdogan had initially blocked the move for a year, approving Finland's bid first. The objections from Ankara were centered mainly on Sweden's support for Kurdish groups that Turkey considers to be terrorists, as well as on weapons embargoes imposed on Turkey by Sweden, Finland, and other EU countries.
Protests and Criticism
The hold up in Sweden's NATO membership bid led to protests against Turkey in Sweden's capital, which escalated when a far-right group burned a Quran. This action was widely criticized and posed a threat to Sweden's accession to NATO. However, NATO has stated that Sweden and Turkey have been working closely together to address Turkey's security concerns since last year's summit. Sweden has made changes to its constitution and laws, expanded its counter-terrorism cooperation against the PKK, and resumed arms exports to Turkey.
Praise from President Biden
U.S. President Joe Biden praised Turkey's decision to support Sweden's NATO membership bid. He expressed his willingness to work with President Erdogan and Turkey to enhance defense and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area. This development was anticipated, especially if Erdogan was reelected for a third term as he would no longer need to use the issue to rally nationalist support.
NATO's Strengthened Position
The inclusion of Finland and Sweden as NATO members along Europe's eastern flank is expected to significantly strengthen the military alliance. It brings new capabilities to NATO along the eastern edge, particularly with Finland's position in the northern flank. This expansion is viewed as a positive move that benefits the security and strength of all NATO allies. The cooperation between Sweden and Turkey on counterterrorism efforts will continue even after Sweden's accession to NATO.
Impact on New Business
A New Opportunity for Defense and Security Businesses
The approval of Sweden's NATO membership bid by Turkey unlocks new opportunities for defense and security businesses. As Sweden becomes a part of the military alliance, there will be a growing need for advanced defense technologies, equipment, and services. This opens up a potential market for new businesses in the defense industry to provide their expertise and products to support Sweden's integration into NATO.
Increased Defense Cooperation and Partnerships
With Sweden's accession to NATO, there will likely be an increase in defense cooperation and partnerships between Sweden and other member countries, including Turkey. This could lead to joint military exercises, training programs, and procurement collaborations. New businesses that offer specialized services, such as cybersecurity solutions, intelligence gathering technologies, or logistical support, could find opportunities to collaborate with both Sweden and Turkey in these areas.
Regional Security and Stability Implications
The strengthened position of NATO, with Sweden's inclusion, has positive implications for regional security and stability. This creates a more robust defense network along Europe's eastern flank, which can act as a deterrent against potential threats. It also signifies a greater collective defense capability, which can provide a sense of security for businesses operating in the region, encouraging investment and economic growth.
Business Challenges and Adaptation
However, new businesses should be aware of potential challenges and adapt accordingly. They may need to navigate international trade regulations, comply with specific defense industry standards, and compete with established players in the market. Building strong partnerships with local companies and leveraging expertise in defense and security sectors will be crucial for success.
In conclusion, the approval of Sweden's NATO membership bid by Turkey presents new business opportunities in defense and security sectors. With increased cooperation and partnerships among NATO members, businesses can find avenues to contribute their specialized services and products. The enhanced regional security and stability provided by NATO's strengthened position can also create a conducive environment for economic growth and investment in the region. Despite the challenges, businesses that adapt and position themselves strategically can benefit from the evolving defense and security landscape resulting from Sweden's accession to NATO.
Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/11/swedens-path-to-nato-membership-cleared-after-turkey-greenlights-bid.html
