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Why was Sweden’s NATO membership delayed until 2024?

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Flag of NATO featuring a white compass rose emblem with four lines radiating from the center on a blue background. — North Atlantic Treaty Organization Flag of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Sweden’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was delayed until 2024 primarily due to objections from Turkey and Hungary.12

Turkey’s opposition stemmed from concerns regarding Swedish support for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization. Tensions were further exacerbated by a 2023 incident in which a far-right politician burned a Qur’ān outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm. To address these security concerns, Sweden amended its constitution and enacted stricter anti-terrorism legislation. Turkey also conditioned its approval on broader geopolitical demands, including support for its own European Union candidacy.13

Meanwhile, Hungary delayed ratification due to criticism from Swedish and Finnish officials regarding the antidemocratic measures of the government led by Viktor Orbán. Following diplomatic negotiations and Sweden’s commitments to counterterrorism cooperation and arms sales, both nations eventually dropped their objections, allowing Sweden to become the alliance's 32nd member in March 2024.123