Turkish President Recep Erdogan threatened to veto Finland and Sweden’s bid for NATO membership last week. Europe is at one of its most critical junctures in modern history as the West tries to consolidate its defense against Moscow after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We are following developments regarding Sweden and Finland, but we don't hold positive views," Erdogan told reporters as he was leaving Friday prayers May 13. “These countries have almost become guesthouses for terrorist organizations. … It is not possible for us to be in favor," he added.

Erdogan was referring to political and fundraising activities in Sweden and Finland by groups sympathetic to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and its northern Syrian affiliate the People's Protection Units (YPG). Ankara considers both groups Kurdish terrorist organizations and wants the West to ban all activities by any organization that displays sympathy for these groups but has had limited success.

The countries involved often respond by pointing out that their laws do not permit them to prevent nonviolent activities on their soil by pro-Kurdish groups.