Finland repeals nuclear weapons ban, aligning with NATO deterrence

Finland’s parliament voted 125‑61 to repeal a decades‑old ban on nuclear weapons, amending the 1987 Nuclear Energy Act and the criminal code. The amendment permits the import, transport, supply and storage of nuclear weapons on Finnish territory when required for national defence and NATO’s collective deterrence. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen posted on X that “this historic reform strengthens the security of Finland and of NATO as a whole.” The government emphasised that there are no plans to permanently station nuclear weapons, but the change removes the legal obstacle for NATO‑linked operations.

The move follows Finland’s accession to NATO in April 2023 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and reflects concerns over the country’s 1,300 km border with Russia. Russian officials warned the revision could “lead to an escalation of tensions on the European continent,” with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Finland’s action “makes Finland a target for nuclear strikes.” Opposition lawmakers warned of heightened regional tensions, while the government is also exploring participation in a French‑led European nuclear‑deterrence initiative.