Finland proposes lifting nuclear weapons ban to strengthen NATO defenses

Finland has proposed sweeping legal changes that would allow the import, transport and storage of nuclear weapons, marking a significant shift in its defense policy following NATO membership.

The proposal, submitted by the government to parliament, includes changes to the country's Atomic Energy Act and criminal code, according to Finland's defense ministry. The changes would remove previous legal restrictions on the use of nuclear weapons within Finnish territory, KyivPost reports.

Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said the initiative aims to strengthen national security in an increasingly unpredictable security environment.

"The proposal aims to maximize Finland's security in an unpredictable operational environment. By removing legal barriers to nuclear devices, we can strengthen our deterrence and defense and raise the threshold for the use of military force against Finland and the Alliance. The legislative amendment is necessary for Finland's security," Häkkänen said.

The aim is to remove legal barriers to increase Finland's defense capabilities and enable fuller use of NATO's collective defense mechanisms, the ministry said.

Officials said allowing nuclear weapons-related operations would improve deterrence and reduce the possibility of military aggression against Finland and the alliance.

The proposed changes would also enable NATO aircraft carrying nuclear weapons to operate in Finnish airspace and allow relevant military cargo to transit through the country.

Finland's current legislation strictly prohibits any activity involving nuclear weapons — rules that date back to the 1980s, when the country sought to avoid involvement in Cold War nuclear tensions with the Soviet Union.

However, since joining NATO, restrictions have complicated joint planning and military exercises with allies, prompting calls for reform.

The GeoPost