Finland has finally lifted the ban on the import, production, storage, and use of nuclear explosive materials within its borders.
Nuclear weapons / © Getty Images
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has signed amendments to the Nuclear Energy Act, which permit the entry and transit of nuclear weapons through the country.
The new regulations are set to take effect on July 1st, according to information published on the Finnish Parliament’s website.
Consequently, NATO allies’ nuclear weapons could potentially be stationed near Russia’s borders, although Helsinki currently has no plans for their permanent deployment on its territory.
The government submitted the relevant legislative amendments to Parliament in April 2026. On June 17th, lawmakers approved the repeal of the long-standing prohibition, with the bill passing by a vote of 125 in favor and 61 against.
Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, described the adopted decision as “an important step for Finland’s security.”
“With this proposal, we are strengthening Finland’s defense and ensuring the full utilization of NATO’s nuclear deterrence capabilities for the country’s protection,” he emphasized.
At the same time, Helsinki assures that the country will continue to adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and other international commitments. Finnish authorities also stress that they have no intention of deploying nuclear weapons during peacetime.
The Nuclear Energy Act, enacted in 1987, previously prohibited the import, production, storage, and use of nuclear explosive materials within the country.
The legislative update aligns Finland’s regulations more closely with the standards of other NATO member states, which the country joined in 2023 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
It is worth recalling that a previous decision by the Finnish parliament regarding nuclear weapons caused a wave of outrage and outright panic for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. With a shared border with Finland extending over 1300 kilometers, Moscow recognizes the vulnerability of its northern frontiers.
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