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Finland's Ministry of Defence to host NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium in Helsinki

Finnish Ministry of Defence

29.04.2025 15:49

NATO's annual Nuclear Policy Symposium will be held in Helsinki on 29-30 April. Held annually since 1992, the Symposium is the main annual event focusing on the Alliance's nuclear policy. The NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium brings together high-level experts from Allies' governments and research institutes. This is the first time Finland hosts the Symposium.

"Nuclear deterrence is an important component of our security. NATO is in the process of strengthening its conventional defence as well as its nuclear policy. Deterrence and defence in the High North and the effects and challenges of nuclear weapons in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions will be among the topics of this year's NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium," says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

According to Minister of Defence Häkkänen, the purpose of NATO's nuclear deterrence is to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression.

"Russia maintains and develops its nuclear deterrence, and it has turned up its nuclear rhetoric. It is stepping up its military cooperation with China which is also increasing the capacity of its nuclear arsenal. North Korea has nuclear weapons, and Iran is close to developing one. In today's world it is self-evident that NATO, too, must have credible nuclear deterrence that alongside conventional capabilities forms an integral part of the collective deterrence and defence of the Alliance," says Minister Häkkänen.

"The greatest benefit of Finland joining NATO is that our deterrence is now stronger, which in turn lowers the threat of war. Ultimately, Finland's defence is supported by the forces and capabilities of the entire Alliance, including its nuclear deterrence. We are also engaged in planning and making decisions on NATO's nuclear policy," says Häkkänen.

Minister Antti Häkkänen's speech at the NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium on 29 April 2025.