As Ukraine rages, Turkey’s senate passed a law on Thursday to allow Finland to join NATO.
After Hungary’s parliament ratified Finland’s entry earlier this week, Turkey was the last of the 30 alliance nations to do so.
In March, President Tayyip Erdogan said Finland had Turkey’s approval after taking tangible moves to clamp down on terrorist groups and open up defense exports.
Russia’s assault on Ukraine prompted Finland and Sweden to join NATO last year. Turkey and Hungary have stalled it. All NATO parliaments must approve entrants.
“NATO membership will enhance Finland’s security and promote peace and security in the Baltic Sea area and Northern Europe,” the Finnish government said after the Turkish senate vote.
Sweden, Finland’s neighbor, has not done enough to combat terrorism, so Turkey is delaying its membership bid. The three nations reached a deal last year.
Turkey’s foreign affairs committee unanimously passed the Finland law last week. Turkish lawmakers were preparing for May 14 legislature and presidential elections.
Finland’s entry would be the alliance’s first since North Macedonia joined in 2020.
Turkey has frequently demanded that Sweden take more action against Kurdish rebels and members of the 2016 coup attempt network. Ankara considers both groups terrorists.
After several clashes, mostly over Stockholm pro-Kurdish rallies, Sweden-Turkey talks have stalled.
The U.S. State Department hailed Turkey’s ratification of Finland and urged it to ratify Sweden swiftly.
“Sweden and Finland are strong, capable partners that share NATO’s ideals and will enhance the Alliance and add to European security,” a department spokesperson said.
“Finland stands with Sweden now and in the future and supports its proposal,” said Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin after the Turkey vote.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg asked Turkey and Hungary to accept both applications. However, Hungary has yet to vote on Sweden’s bid.
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