In Finland, lawmakers have proposed changes that would lift the ban on importing and possessing nuclear weapons.
The Ministry of Defence of Finland reported this.
The government has submitted proposals to parliament to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Criminal Code.
The amendments provide for permitting the import, transportation, supply, and storage of nuclear weapons in Finland.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the aim is to remove legal restrictions in order to strengthen national defense and make fuller use of collective defense mechanisms within NATO.
The possibility of deploying nuclear weapons is intended to strengthen strategic deterrence and reduce the likelihood of the use of force against Finland and NATO.
Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen stated that the proposal is aimed at ensuring the country’s security in an unpredictable operational environment.
He added that removing legal barriers would strengthen defense capabilities and increase Finland’s contribution to NATO’s nuclear deterrence.
The legislative changes are part of broader reforms aimed at integrating the country into the North Atlantic Alliance and developing defense cooperation with partners.
Current Finnish legislation strictly prohibits any operations involving nuclear weapons. These rules were introduced back in the 1980s to reassure the USSR and avoid drawing the country into a nuclear confrontation between superpowers.
However, after joining NATO, the status of a ‘nuclear-free zone’ has begun to complicate joint planning and training.
The legislative changes will allow Alliance aircraft carrying nuclear weapons to operate in Finnish airspace, and nuclear cargo to transit through the country.
