Finland Lifts Nuclear Weapons Ban in Historic Security Shift

The Finnish parliament has voted 125 to 61 to lift a long-standing ban on nuclear weapons, in a major change to the country's security policy. The amendment will allow Finland to receive, transport and support the movement of nuclear weapons on its territory as part of NATO operations, according to Politico.

Helsinki has said, however, that it does not plan to permanently deploy nuclear warheads on Finnish soil.

Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen described the passage of the law as a historic step that strengthens the security of both Finland and the North Atlantic Alliance. He said the original restrictions dating from 1980 no longer reflected the country's status following its accession to NATO in 2023.

The decision is a further consequence of the changed security environment in Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finland shares a border with Russia stretching more than 1,300 km and has significantly strengthened its defense cooperation with allies in recent years.

The vote also comes as the Finnish government considers joining French President Emmanuel Macron's initiative to create a broader European nuclear deterrent. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has confirmed an interest in discussing the matter, though no final decision has been made.

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