Finland has made remarkable progress in strengthening its national defense due to increasing security threats posed by Russia. At the end of September, the Finnish government officially began the process of withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines. This decision follows Russia’s use of these unspeakable weapons in Ukraine. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced that this decision aligns with the country’s need to adapt to the changing security landscape.
Since at least last November, Finland’s military leadership began to think about leaving the treaty. They knew they had to reevaluate and double down on their proactive defense strategies. Finland’s military commander argued that conversations like this one were essential in the current geopolitical context. Prime Minister Orpo underscored the importance of this decision. He thinks that it will enhance Finland’s ability to address new threats.
“Withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention will give us the possibility to prepare for the changes in the security environment in a more versatile way,” – Prime Minister Petteri Orpo
The government’s justification for this withdrawal is based on the premise that anti-personnel mines are an important deterrent. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah reiterated the need for Finland to set an example of using mines responsibly. He further emphasized their role as a critical component of our nation’s defense.
“Finland will use mines in a responsible way, but it’s a deterrent we need,” – Agriculture and Forestry Minister Sari Essayah
Concerns over Russian military actions have heightened in recent months, particularly regarding the potential for further aggression against neighboring countries such as Poland and the Baltic states. The war in Ukraine has escalated those fears for all of these nations, sparking new debate over regional security. Now U.S. President Donald Trump has restated his commitment to fixing this conflict. He stressed that European nations needed to improve their own defenses.
Now, Finland has announced its own withdrawal from the treaty. It has pledged to increase its defense spending to at least 3 percent of its GDP by 2029. This pledge to involve the commercial sector shows a larger plan’s overall strategy to rebuild military capabilities and marry that reality with rising fears of Russia’s operations. Preventively, the Finnish government is determined to foster a situation in which Finland is capable of reacting to whatever kind of threat arises.
Finland has historically taken a hard line on landmines. Since 2012, it has eradicated more than one million landmines, but was the last EU member state to sign the Ottawa Convention. The ground climate in Eastern Europe is shifting. Finnish officials agree that it is in their national security interest to reconsider their long-held position against landmines.
As Finland navigates these complex challenges, its decision marks a pivotal moment in its defense policy, reflecting a commitment to ensuring its sovereignty and security in an increasingly unpredictable world.
