Finland plans to lift its historic ban on the possession of nuclear weapons in its territory, a measure that would reflect a profound change in the country's defense strategy and its full integration into NATO's nuclear deterrence policy.
The proposal was announced by the Minister of Defense, Antti Häkkänen, who noted that the security environment of Finland and Europe has changed “fundamentally and significantly” since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Until now, the Nuclear Energy Act of 1987 prevented the import, manufacture, possession, and detonation of nuclear explosives in Finland, even in times of war. With the proposed amendment, it would be legal to introduce, transport, or possess nuclear weapons in Finland as long as it is linked to the country's military defense, explained Häkkänen.
“The amendment is necessary to enable Finland's military defense as part of the alliance and to make the most of NATO's collective deterrence and defense,” the minister stated at a press conference. Finland became the 31st member of NATO in April 2023, abandoning decades of military neutrality in the face of growing concern over the Russian threat.
Country bordering Russia
The country shares a 1,340 km border with Russia, the longest of any EU or NATO member state, and its leaders have repeatedly warned that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has severely deteriorated regional security. Since its accession to the alliance, NATO has increased its military presence in the Arctic, the Baltic Sea and the eastern flank, strengthening collective defense against potential attacks.
The proposal requires modifications to the Nuclear Energy Law and the penal code, and the governing coalition has opened the project to public consultation until April 2 before its formal presentation. This decision comes in a context in which France and Germany have announced plans to intensify cooperation on nuclear deterrence in Europe, while Sweden, which joined NATO in 2024, is already considering relaxing its doctrine of not stationing foreign troops or nuclear weapons on its territory.