Finland's government proposes lifting the current ban on nuclear weapons on Finnish territory as soon as possible to strengthen the country's security as a NATO member. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen emphasizes that the change applies only to military defense and does not involve plans to station nuclear weapons in the country. In Sweden, a survey shows that a majority of parliamentary parties support contributing to European nuclear deterrence.
Finland's government has proposed changing the current legislation that prohibits the transport and storage of nuclear weapons on Finnish territory. According to a press release, the new legislation should enter into force 'as soon as possible.' Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen explained at a press conference that 'Finland must maximize its security' and that the existing legislation 'does not meet the needs that Finland has as a NATO member,' reports Swedish Yle.
Häkkänen clarified that the proposal only allows nuclear weapons in connection with the military defense of Finland. 'In other cases than these, the import, transit, and possession of nuclear weapons in Finland shall remain prohibited,' he said. The government is not seeking to have nuclear weapons stationed in the country.
The background is French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statement where he opened for temporary placement of French nuclear weapons and offered Sweden and other European allies to participate in nuclear exercises. In Sweden, the government and the opposition party Socialdemokraterna disagree on starting a dialogue with France about nuclear weapons.
According to an SVT survey, five of eight parliamentary parties want Sweden to contribute to nuclear deterrence in Europe, including Moderaterna, Sverigedemokraterna, Kristdemokraterna, Liberalerna, and Centerpartiet. Half of the parties are open to nuclear weapons being placed in Sweden in wartime. Socialdemokraterna oppose more nuclear weapons and are concerned about undermining the non-proliferation agreement, according to foreign policy spokesperson Morgan Johansson: 'We should stick to the structure that exists in NATO today.' Miljöpartiet and Vänsterpartiet want legislation banning nuclear weapons in both peacetime and wartime.
Sweden signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968, but increasing uncertainty about the US's engagement in Europe's security has revived discussions about a European nuclear capability.
