Finland's President Signs Law Lifting Nuclear Weapons Ban
Finnish President Alexander Stubb signed amendments to the Nuclear Energy Act on Friday, removing the ban on importing and deploying nuclear weapons in the country. The changes take effect on July 1.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb signed amendments to the Nuclear Energy Act on Friday, lifting the previous prohibition on importing and stationing nuclear weapons on Finnish soil. The amendments will come into force on July 1.
The Finnish Parliament approved the changes on March 17 with 125 votes in favor and 61 against. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen described the move as historic, stating it strengthens Finland's and NATO's security.
President Stubb emphasized that Finland does not intend to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory during peacetime. He explained that the decision is about nuclear deterrence—a preventive strategy aimed at ensuring those weapons are never used.
The Kremlin reacted in March, threatening retaliatory measures if nuclear weapons are placed in Finland. Häkkänen responded by saying Helsinki is fully prepared for Moscow's reaction. According to him, the legal changes reduce the risk of Finland becoming a target for Russian military activity.
