Finland\u2019s parliament on Wednesday voted to lift a decades-old ban on nuclear weapons, approving a major defense policy shift aimed at aligning the country more closely with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) deterrence strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defense Minister Antti H\u00e4kk\u00e4nen said a strong majority backed the amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act, calling it a “historic reform” that strengthens Finland\u2019s security and that of the alliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The Parliament approved the amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act with a strong 2\/3 majority,” H\u00e4kk\u00e4nen said in a post on X. “This historic reform strengthens the security of Finland and of NATO as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In April 2023, Finland joined NATO in response to Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ending decades of military non-alignment. The move, aimed at securing Finland\u2019s collective defense, roughly doubled NATO\u2019s border with Russia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The overall nuclear weapons policy has been one of the most challenging issues in the Ministry of Defence during this parliamentary term. Years of study, discussions with nuclear-weapon states and other allies, and assessments of how Finland’s security can best be strengthened in NATO,” H\u00e4kk\u00e4nen said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The measure repeals provisions in Finland\u2019s 1987 Nuclear Energy Act that banned the import, production, possession and detonation of nuclear explosives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If enacted, the legislation would allow nuclear weapons to be transported, supplied or possessed in Finland where the country\u2019s military defense requires it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Euro News, 125 deputies backed the government proposal, 61 voted against it and 13 abstained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bill now moves to the president for final approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I thank all the Members of Parliament who supported our legislative proposal for their strong backing,” H\u00e4kk\u00e4nen said. “Thank you to the defense administration professionals at home and abroad for their high expertise also in this project.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the bill passing, the proposal has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers, who warned it could escalate tensions, make Finland a potential primary target, and break from regional norms, noting that several neighboring countries have rejected hosting or permitting nuclear weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The introduction of the proposed law also provoked a strong reaction from Russia last March, according to Reuters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This is a statement that leads to an escalation \u200bof tensions on the European continent,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This statement adds to Finland’s vulnerability, a \u200bvulnerability provoked by the actions of the Finnish authorities. The fact is that by deploying \u2060nuclear weapons on its territory, Finland is beginning to threaten us. And if Finland threatens us, we take appropriate measures.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n