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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Parliament's decision to accept Finland's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention will strengthen security in Finland

Finnish Ministry of Defence

19.06.2025 15:22

On 19 June 2025, the Finnish Parliament accepted the Government proposal on Finland's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel mines with 157 votes for and 18 against.

"A year ago, I launched a review to reinstate anti-personnel mines in Finland. Now, a year later, Parliament has reached a broad consensus on the matter. The process sends a powerful message of Finland standing united and acting swiftly in defence-related matters," said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The way Russia is conducting its war against Ukraine compels us to adopt new approaches. We see how Russia is laying mines, fortifying and carrying out massive infantry attacks. Finland has NATO's longest land border with Russia, and mines are particularly well suited to defending Finland's extensive and fragmented terrain.

"I stress again that mines are defensive weapons. Anti-personnel mines can be used to instil a terror of mines among enemy troops, slowing down and redirecting the enemy's advance and reducing losses of our own troops. Therefore, they can save the lives of ordinary Finnish reservists," Minister Häkkänen said.

Finland's approach to minelaying is responsible and methodical. We will lay mines only if we are facing a military attack. All mines will be recorded in landmine maps so that our troops can move safely. If necessary, the mines will be cleared, and only aggressor soldiers are at risk.

The main goals of Finland's foreign and security policy are to safeguard Finland's independence and territorial integrity, to avoid becoming involved in a military conflict and to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of the people of Finland.

The President of the Republic will decide on Finland's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention based on a draft government decision. Finland will submit its instrument of withdrawal to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who serves as the Depository of the convention. The instrument of withdrawal gives a full explanation of the reasons motivating the withdrawal to all other States Parties, to the Depositary and to the UN Security Council.

The withdrawal will take effect six months after the UN Secretary-General has received Finland's instrument of withdrawal.