Stoltenberg Calls Finland and Sweden’s NATO Membership His Greatest Achievement Ahead of Ankara Summit
Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has described the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO as the proudest accomplishment of his decade leading the alliance, while expressing confidence that the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara will reinforce allied unity.
Speaking ahead of the July 7–8 summit, Stoltenberg, who now serves as Norway’s finance minister, praised the historic expansion of the alliance and acknowledged the role played by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in helping complete the membership process.
He said bringing Finland and Sweden into NATO marked a landmark achievement because both countries had maintained long-standing policies of military neutrality for generations. Sweden had regarded neutrality as a central part of its national identity, while Finland’s historical relationship with Russia made its decision particularly significant.
According to Stoltenberg, securing the membership of both Nordic nations strengthened not only the alliance but also the long-term security of Europe.
Looking ahead to the Ankara summit, the former NATO chief said his primary expectation is for member states to demonstrate unwavering unity despite differences over trade, climate policy, Iran and other international issues.
He stressed that NATO allies across Europe and North America must reaffirm their collective commitment to mutual defence, emphasizing that the alliance remains strongest when its members stand together.
Stoltenberg also underlined the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine, describing the conflict as the most urgent security challenge currently confronting NATO. He warned that the alliance faces an increasingly unpredictable global security environment and must remain prepared for future crises that cannot always be anticipated.
While Russia continues to represent NATO’s principal strategic concern, he noted that security risks are also emerging across other regions, including the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, requiring the alliance to maintain readiness for multiple scenarios.
Reiterating NATO’s defensive mission, Stoltenberg said the alliance exists to prevent conflict through credible deterrence rather than wage war. He added that a clear commitment to collective defence helps eliminate any possibility of miscalculation by potential adversaries.
Commenting on Türkiye’s role within NATO, Stoltenberg described the country as one of the alliance’s most important members due to its strategic location, sizeable military and contributions to regional security and counterterrorism efforts.
He highlighted Türkiye’s position on the Black Sea and its borders with Iraq and Syria as key strategic assets, adding that Ankara’s hosting of the summit reflects its continued commitment to the alliance.
Stoltenberg expressed confidence that the gathering would strengthen cooperation among allies and send a strong message of unity at a time of growing global uncertainty.
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