Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Friday signed amendments to the country’s Nuclear Energy Act, abolishing the ban on the import and deployment of nuclear weapons on Finnish territory.
The amendments will enter into force on 1 July.
On 17 March, Finland’s Parliament approved the changes by 125 votes to 61. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen described the reform as historic, saying it would strengthen the security of both Finland and NATO. Stubb stressed that Finland has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons on its territory during peacetime.
“This is about nuclear deterrence – a deterrent designed to ensure that such weapons never have to be used,” Stubb said.
In March, the Kremlin warned it would take retaliatory measures if nuclear weapons were deployed in Finland. Häkkänen responded that Helsinki is fully prepared for Moscow’s reaction. According to the defence minister, the legislative changes reduce the risk of Finland becoming a target of Russian military activity.
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Historic decision in Finland: New rules on nuclear weapons to take effect
