The NATO Secretary General remains confident in the “fast” accession process for Finland and Sweden, downplaying Turkey’s opposition to the two countries’ accession: “It’s not too late for that yet.” Jens Stoltenberg argues that it is necessary to “recognize that Turkey is an important ally” and argues – in a joint interview with correspondents in Brussels, including Expresso – that if an ally is a concern, “they need to be addressed.”
His answer is also politically correct: who should protect each of the 30 allies he represents, diluting the differences that are on display. Just two weeks ago, when Helsinki took NATO’s candidacy for granted, the Norwegian promised the process would be “quick and smooth.” This object was quickly called into question by the statements of the President of Turkey. Now, with Sweden and Finland sending delegations to Turkey to break the blockade, Stoltenberg is banking on “ongoing dialogue,” adding that “it’s a way to solve” problems in an organization where doubts and questions are “normal.” barriers to accession processes. “We operate in Brussels, Ankara, Helsinki and Stockholm.”
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