NATO Secretary General: We Will Strengthen the Deterrence System on the Eastern Flank of the Alliance

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated on Monday that Sweden's accession to the alliance during this week's summit is still possible despite Turkey's ongoing reservations. In response to a question about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan linking Sweden's NATO membership to Turkey's accession to the European Union, Stoltenberg expressed his support for Turkey joining the EU, adding that, to his knowledge, Sweden has already met the necessary requirements for joining the 31-member alliance. Stoltenberg mentioned in a press conference, "A positive decision on Sweden's membership is still possible in Vilnius." Regarding the military presence of the alliance, Stoltenberg confirmed the intention to enhance the deterrence system on the eastern flank.