Finland plans to remove a long-standing legal ban on nuclear weapons on its territory, the government announced on Thursday, in a move that could allow the deployment of atomic arms on Finnish soil during wartime as the country strengthens its role within NATO.
The proposal would amend Finland’s Nuclear Energy Act, a law passed in 1987 that currently prohibits the import, manufacture, possession and detonation of nuclear explosives within the country. According to reporting by Reuters, some Finnish policymakers have argued that the restriction could put the country at a strategic disadvantage in the event of a conflict, particularly against neighboring Russia.
Finland maintained a policy of neutrality throughout the Cold War, but its security posture shifted dramatically after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The following year, Finland formally joined NATO, marking one of the most significant changes in its defense policy in decades.
Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said the amendment is necessary to ensure Finland can fully participate in NATO’s deterrence and collective defense framework. Speaking at a press conference, he said the change would enable Finland’s military to operate effectively as part of the alliance’s broader strategic capabilities.
The proposal must still be approved by Finland’s parliament, where the current right-wing coalition government holds a majority, making passage likely.
Unlike Finland’s existing legal prohibition, several Nordic countries maintain policies against nuclear weapons during peacetime but do not enforce formal legislative bans that would prevent their deployment in wartime. Sweden, Denmark and Norway have long followed this approach, allowing greater flexibility in crisis situations.
Finland’s move comes amid broader discussions across Europe about strengthening nuclear deterrence as geopolitical tensions intensify. Earlier this week, France and Germany announced plans to deepen nuclear deterrence cooperation with European partners, reflecting growing concerns about security threats from Russia and instability linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, according to Reuters.
Sweden has also signaled that its stance could evolve under extreme circumstances. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recently reiterated that Sweden does not host permanent foreign troops or nuclear weapons during peacetime. However, he indicated that the policy could change if the country faced a significantly different security environment.
Finland’s strategic position along a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia has made defense planning a critical issue for the country. In 2024, Helsinki signed a defense cooperation agreement with the United States that allows U.S. forces access to 15 Finnish military facilities and operational zones.
Supporters of the proposed legal change say aligning Finland’s legislation with NATO’s deterrence strategy would strengthen the alliance’s collective defense posture in northern Europe. Critics, however, warn that allowing nuclear weapons on Finnish territory could further escalate tensions with Russia and increase the region’s role in global strategic rivalries.
