Swedish parliament approves bill allowing NATO membership

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The Swedish foreign minister said Wednesday that parliament passed a bill that allows the country to become a member of NATO.

"Historical decision today as the Swedish Parliament votes yes to NATO-membership," Tobias Billstrom wrote on Twitter. "Sweden will be safer and more secure and we will be a security provider to the alliance."

The bill passed 269 - 37, according to results shared by Billstrom.

Finland and Sweden signed a memorandum with Türkiye last June to address Ankara’s security concerns and senior diplomats. Officials from the three countries have since held meetings to discuss the implementation of the trilateral agreement.

Meanwhile, Sweden passed an anti-terror law in November, hoping that Ankara would approve Stockholm’s bid to join the alliance. The law, which will take effect June 1, will allow authorities to prosecute those who support terror organizations.

Türkiye said Friday it would approve the process for Finland's NATO membership protocol in its parliament.