The PKK's European Safe Haven: A Threat to NATO Enlargement and Turkey's National Security

Introduction

The Turkish government has demanded that Sweden change its permissive attitude towards the Partiya Karkaren Kurdistan (PKK) and other anti-Turkey groups, as a condition for approval of Stockholm’s bid for NATO membership. Western commentators have attributed this position to various reasons, but the Turkish government's demands stem from its concerns over the PKK's support activities in Sweden and the country's tolerance of the group. This article examines the history of PKK activities in Sweden and its impact on NATO enlargement and Turkey's national security.

Bare Knuckle Beginnings

In 1985, Sweden became the first European country to designate the PKK as a violent terrorist organization following a series of targeted killings of PKK defectors. Despite this, over the following two decades, the PKK and its supporters established significant lobbying, fundraising, and propaganda capabilities in Sweden. The group's political and ideological entrenchment in the country has been evident in recent years, with public marches, demonstrations, and fundraising for the PKK continuing despite its terrorist designation.

European Safe Haven

PKK activities in Sweden are part of a broader European problem where designated terrorist organizations are not adequately targeted by governments. The PKK's presence in Europe has created a safe haven for the group, which increases the risk for Turkey. European countries have for decades turned a blind eye to such PKK support activities. However, the PKK's criminal activities, including money laundering, racketeering, extortion, and drug trafficking, continue.

European Dilemma

The dilemma faced by European countries regarding PKK activities stems from the tension between the group's status as a designated terrorist organization and the disinclination of governments to devote resources to combat its financing, political organizing, recruiting, and propaganda. The PKK has pursued a "double-pronged strategy" of conducting non-violent activities in Europe that fund its armed and overt political activities in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. European countries have been reluctant to trigger retaliation by the PKK on their soil, leading to a de facto safe haven for the group.

Ankara's Concerns

Ankara can reasonably be expected to use every tool at its disposal, including Sweden's NATO accession, to end the PKK's safe haven in Europe. The continued presence of the PKK in Europe increases the risk for Turkey, which has faced decades of violence from the group. The Turkish government's demands for Sweden to change its attitude towards the PKK and other anti-Turkey groups stem from its concerns over the country's tolerance of the group.

PKK Threat to NATO Enlargement

The PKK's continued presence in Europe, including Sweden, poses a threat to NATO enlargement. The alliance's enlargement process requires the adherence of new members to the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law. The PKK's activities in Europe, including its criminal activities, undermine these principles and pose a threat to NATO's credibility and effectiveness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the PKK's presence in Europe, including Sweden, poses a threat to NATO enlargement and Turkey's national security. The Turkish government's demands for Sweden to change its attitude towards the PKK stem from its concerns over the country's tolerance of the group and its implications for NATO enlargement and Turkey's national security. The PKK's continued presence in Europe also highlights the broader European dilemma of dealing with designated terrorist organizations.