Finland Lifts Longstanding Nuclear Ban, Deepens NATO Cooperation in Response to Geopolitical Realities

(Central News Agency, Helsinki, 17th - Comprehensive Foreign Media Report) Finnish Members of Parliament today passed an amendment with 125 votes in favor and 61 against, deciding to lift the country's long-standing ban on nuclear weapons. This marks a significant shift in Finland's defense policy as it strengthens integration with NATO.

According to U.S. political media Politico, Finland shares a border with Russia exceeding 1,300 kilometers. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2023, initiating a multi-year defense transformation.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen affirmed that this move is 'crucial' for Finland's security, but insisted that Finland has no intention of permanently deploying nuclear weapons on its territory.

After today's parliamentary vote, Häkkänen wrote on social media X: 'Parliament passed the amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act with a two-thirds overwhelming majority. This historic reform enhances Finland's and NATO's overall security.'

In May this year, Finnish authorities detected a suspected drone entering the country's airspace near the capital Helsinki, prompting the deployment of fighter jets.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb later stated that the country did not face a direct military threat, but military officials revealed they had received prior warning intelligence.

Meanwhile, the Finnish government is also considering whether to further participate in the expanded European nuclear deterrence initiative promoted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Earlier this year, Häkkänen stated that Finland's nuclear restrictions, dating back to 1980, no longer align with the geopolitical realities faced by NATO members today. (Compiled by: Chen Zhengjian) 1150618

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