
Time is running out for the NATO Summit – expected at the end of the month (June 28-30) – where Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be called upon to take a clear position on the accession of Finland and Sweden to the North Atlantic Alliance.
Others estimate (or want to believe) that Turkey will eventually back down, paving the way for the two countries’ accession, but some analysts have begun to consider what could happen if Turkey does not finally withdraw its veto.
Such a development would come at an extremely critical juncture for NATO and Turkey’s relations with Russia, against the backdrop of a war like the one in Ukraine that could not last for many months.
It is noted that Ankara is asking Sweden-Finland for compensation in order to give the green light for their accession to NATO, with the Secretary General of the Alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, taking on the role of mediator.
Proposal for a “divorce” between Turkey and NATO
In this climate, and against the background of the blackmail of the Erdogan government, the voices proposing a “divorce” between NATO and Turkey are becoming more vocal, as the differences between them are considered un-bridgeable.
“Is Turkey today really the Turkey that NATO attracted as a partner 70 years ago?” asks Elizabeth Shackelford, a former US diplomat.
Overcoming Turkey’s shortcomings after World War II, when the alliance was formed to stop the expansion of the Soviet Union, was easy to do, says Elizabeth Shackelford. “(Turkey) seemed to be moving steadily in a westerly direction and embracing liberal, democratic values.”
However, the following decades were marked by unrest. With the election of Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2002, the West believed that would change. “But the commitment to democracy was not yet real and Turkey took a hard turn towards authoritarian rule.”
According to the former diplomat, the “anti-democratic character” of Turkey has a direct impact on the image of NATO and undermines the security of the alliance.
The Turkish president is straddling a fence in his relations with Russia and NATO, and the Turkish purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems could “jeopardize classified information on NATO weapons systems.”
Finland and Sweden, whose demands for NATO membership after the Russian invasion of Ukraine are currently hampered by Turkey, “have capable, professional armies, but they also share (NATO) values, such as Democracy ” she pointed out, suggesting that the alliance does not need Turkey.
Turkey’s ouster came after the Turkish government’s opponents were severely repressed after a failed coup attempt in 2016 and a second time after Turkey’s 2019 invasion of northern Syria. “But since NATO has no mechanism to suspend or expel an ally, the path to exit is unclear.”
According to her, the remaining 29 NATO members could withdraw their commitment to Article 5 of collective defense from Turkey, “substantially suspending its participation and any assistance it receives from NATO”, but this would require a clearer assessment, regarding the demands of Turkey and the dangers they pose.
Shackelford called for a compromise and said NATO would have to decide whether Turkey “deserves a formal defense commitment”. If NATO can not trust Turkey, it will have to “consider its options.” “(NATO) can be better (without Turkey) in the long run.”


Latest News

Cost of Living: Why Greece’s 3% Inflation Is Raising Alarm
Greece appears to be in a more difficult position when it comes to price hikes, just as we enter the era of Trump’s tariffs.

Fitch Ratings Upgrades the Four Greek Systemic Banks
NBG’s upgrade reflects the bank’s ongoing improvements in its credit profile, Fitch notes in its report, including strong profitability, a reduction in non-performing exposures (NPEs), and lower credit losses

Trump to Announce Sweeping New Tariffs Wednesday, Global Retaliation Expected
With Trump's announcement just hours away, markets, businesses, and foreign governments are bracing for the fallout of one of the most aggressive shifts in U.S. trade policy in decades.

Inflation in Greece at 3.1% in March, Eurostat Reports
Average inflation in the eurozone settled at 2.2%, compared to 2.3% in February

Greece’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.6% in February
Despite the overall decline, unemployment remains higher among women and young people.

Jerry Kalogiratos Highlights Key Role of Energy Transition and Data Demand in LNG Outlook
Energy transition and the prospects of LNG were discussed at Capital Link’s 19th Annual International Maritime Forum, during a panel discussion with Jerry Kalogiratos (Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp.)

Santorini Safe and Ready for a Dynamic Tourism Season
Authenticity, cultural heritage, and genuine experiences at the center of Santorini's new promotional campaign

Electricity Bills: Greece Announces Reduced Tariffs Schedule
Greece will now offer lower electricity rates between 11:00-15:00 and 02:00-04:00

Chevron Confirms Eyeing Natural Gas Exploration South of Crete
Chevron recently declared its intent to explore a third area, south of the Peloponnese.

Evangelos Marinakis: A time of change from which shipping can benefit
Speaking at the 19th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum Evangelos Marinakis stressed the challenges that shipping faces today