Finland pushes to join NATO quickly
Mikko Hautala, the Finnish ambassador to the United States, recently discussed Finland’s efforts to join NATO and the rising tensions along its Russian border during an appearance on ‘Your World.’
On Wednesday, Finland’s parliament took a significant step by voting to remove a long-standing prohibition on nuclear weapons. This decision marks a pivotal shift in Finland’s defense policy, aligning the country more closely with NATO’s deterrence strategy.
Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen highlighted the overwhelming support for the change to the Nuclear Energy Act, describing it as a “historic reform” that enhances both Finland’s and NATO’s security.
“The Parliament approved the amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act with a strong 2/3 majority,” Häkkänen shared in a post on X, emphasizing the reform as a significant boost to Finland’s and NATO’s overall security.
Finland’s accession to NATO in April 2023 followed Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking the end of Finland’s long-standing military non-alignment. This strategic move was aimed at reinforcing Finland’s collective defense capabilities, effectively doubling NATO’s shared border with Russia.
EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, Lithuanian Andrius Kubilius (R) and Finnish Defence Minister Antti Haekkaenen (L) attend a press conference at the Ministry of Defence in Helsinki, Finland, on Sept. 26, 2025. (MARKKU ULANDER/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images)
“The overall nuclear weapons policy has been one of the most challenging issues in the Ministry of Defence during this parliamentary term. Years of study, discussions with nuclear-weapon states and other allies, and assessments of how Finland’s security can best be strengthened in NATO,” Häkkänen said.
The measure repeals provisions in Finland’s 1987 Nuclear Energy Act that banned the import, production, possession and detonation of nuclear explosives.
If enacted, the legislation would allow nuclear weapons to be transported, supplied or possessed in Finland where the country’s military defense requires it.
The NATO emblem is displayed during the NATO Summit held in Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 12, 2023. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto)
According to Euro News, 125 deputies backed the government proposal, 61 voted against it and 13 abstained.
The bill now moves to the president for final approval.
“I thank all the Members of Parliament who supported our legislative proposal for their strong backing,” Häkkänen said. “Thank you to the defense administration professionals at home and abroad for their high expertise also in this project.”
Despite the bill passing, the proposal has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers, who warned it could escalate tensions, make Finland a potential primary target, and break from regional norms, noting that several neighboring countries have rejected hosting or permitting nuclear weapons.
Commander of the Finnish Army Lieutenant General Pasi Valimaki addresses Finnish conscript soldiers after a military exercise at Pori Brigade in Niinisalo, Finland, Dec. 9, 2025. (Anne Kauranen/Reuters)
The introduction of the proposed law also provoked a strong reaction from Russia last March, according to Reuters.
“This is a statement that leads to an escalation of tensions on the European continent,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
“This statement adds to Finland’s vulnerability, a vulnerability provoked by the actions of the Finnish authorities. The fact is that by deploying nuclear weapons on its territory, Finland is beginning to threaten us. And if Finland threatens us, we take appropriate measures.”
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