While the amendments would allow for the handling of nuclear explosives in Finland under exceptional military defense circumstances, such actions would remain prohibited otherwise.
Finland’s Ministry of Defense is set to circulate a draft proposal to amend the Nuclear Energy Act and Criminal Code.
The main goal?
To remove legal barriers so Finland can fully participate in NATO’s deterrence and defense efforts.
“Bringing nuclear explosives into Finland or transporting, delivering or possessing them in Finland would be possible in the future if it were related to Finland’s military defense,” Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen (NCP) said in a press conference on Thursday evening.
In situations other than these exceptional circumstances, according to Häkkänen, the handling of nuclear explosives in Finland would continue to be prohibited.
Most NATO countries don’t have these kinds of restrictions. Updating the Finnish law to match NATO standards is part of Prime Minister Orpo’s (NCP) broader legislative push for deeper integration with the alliance.
It’s important to note: this change doesn’t mean Finland wants to host nuclear weapons, nor does NATO have any plans for such deployments in Finland.
It also won’t affect current or future exercises involving nuclear weapons, as no nuclear weapons are moved during such exercises now or in future.
