NATO country bordering Russia approves deployment of nukes on its territory
Photo: Finland has authorized the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory (Getty Images)
The Parliament of Finland has adopted a law lifting the ban on nuclear weapons on the country’s territory. The decision was supported by 125 MPs, while 61 voted against it amid growing security risks in Europe, Bloomberg reports.
Parliamentary decision
On Wednesday, lawmakers voted for a bill allowing:
- the import of nuclear weapons
- their transport and delivery
- potential possession on Finnish territory for defense purposes
The decision was made as part of Finland’s adaptation to NATO standards following its accession to the Alliance in 2023.
Government position
The Finnish government said the changes are aimed at strengthening deterrence in an increasingly unpredictable security environment.
"With this proposal, we are strengthening Finland’s defense and enabling the full use of NATO’s nuclear deterrent as protection for Finland," Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said on X, calling the measure "essential for Finland’s security."
At the same time, authorities stressed that Finland does not plan to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory.
Parliamentary debate
The vote followed lengthy debates. Part of the opposition criticized the government, arguing there was no broad political consensus on such a security decision.
Security background
The decision was made amid a broader reassessment of defense policy in Europe due to:
- Russia’s war against Ukraine
- uncertainty over future security guarantees
- debates on the resilience of NATO’s nuclear deterrence
European countries are also discussing alternative nuclear protection models, including France’s initiatives to expand its deterrence umbrella.
Finland has been considering legislative changes related to restrictions on nuclear weapons as part of its NATO integration and strengthened defense policy.
Previously, the government initiated legal amendments that could allow the import, transport, and deployment of nuclear weapons on Finnish territory under NATO-allied obligations.
It has also been reported that Finnish law previously banned the import, storage, and use of nuclear weapons, but after joining NATO, the country began reviewing these regulations.
