Finland Exits Landmines Treaty, Hikes Defense Spending Amid Russia Threat

Finland’s government announced plans today to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, a global treaty banning anti-personnel landmines and to increase defense spending to at least 3% of GDP by 2029. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that these moves are in response to the evolving military threat posed by Russia.

“While there is no immediate danger, we must prepare for the long-term security challenges that Russia presents,” Orpo said. Exiting the treaty, which was established in 1997, will allow Finland greater flexibility in adapting its military strategy and procurement.

The decision aligns Finland with other NATO members, including Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, who have also signaled similar intentions amid heightened regional tensions. President Alexander Stubb emphasized that the planned defense spending boost is a key component of Finland’s commitment to strengthening Europe’s collective security.

Finland, which joined NATO in 2023 after decades of nonalignment, is now charting a more assertive defense policy in response to the shifting geopolitical landscape in Europe.

Image credit: Petteri Orpo – Informal leaders’ meeting – June 2024, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0