From right to left: MPs Sofia Vikman (National Coalition Party), Jukka Kopra (National Coalition Party) and Oras Tynkkynen (Chair of the Green Parliamentary Group). Photos: Tuomas Stöckel, Mikko Mäntyniemi.
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Finnish political leaders remain divided over the government’s announcement to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, with sharp contrasts emerging between coalition and opposition figures.
Vice Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Sofia Vikman (National Coalition Party) described the government’s intention to leave the treaty and raise defence spending as necessary steps for national security.
She said the return of landmines to Finland’s military capabilities is essential given the deteriorating security environment.
“Russia poses a serious and long-term threat to our security. Finland has a long border to defend. These decisions will strengthen our defence capability and national safety,” Vikman stated in a release.
The government’s proposal includes raising defence spending to at least 3 percent of GDP by 2029 and launching legislative preparations to exit the treaty. Vikman argued that the use of landmines is a cost-effective defence solution, and the decision reflects the realities of modern warfare as observed in Ukraine.
“Finland’s defence must be based on constant assessment of the security environment. This decision is in our national interest,” she said.
Chair of the Defence Committee Jukka Kopra (National Coalition Party) echoed the sentiment, calling the move a proactive response to rising geopolitical tensions. He said the decision aligns with Finland’s role as a NATO member defending the alliance’s frontier.
“These proposals show that Finland takes the changing security landscape seriously and acts accordingly. The government is making necessary decisions now instead of waiting,” Kopra said.
Kopra confirmed that Finland would remain committed to international rules governing the responsible use of landmines and global efforts to mitigate their humanitarian impact.
“The Ottawa Treaty restricts our ability to use landmines, which are an important tool in modern defence. Withdrawal is justified under the current conditions,” he added.
The opposition voiced concerns about the potential consequences. Chair of the Green Parliamentary Group Oras Tynkkynen said the decision to leave the treaty carries serious risks, particularly for Finland’s international credibility.
“Finland joined the Ottawa Treaty for good reasons. It was based on thorough assessments and reflected our commitment to reducing the humanitarian impact of landmines,” Tynkkynen said.
While acknowledging the need to reassess past decisions in light of new threats, Tynkkynen warned that leaving the treaty could undermine Finland’s image as a rule-based actor.
“Finland would be the first Western country to withdraw. This sets a dangerous precedent. As a small nation, our interest lies in defending international norms, not breaking them,” he said.
He urged Parliament to approach the issue with caution and avoid hasty conclusions. He said the Greens would examine the government’s proposal carefully once the full background report is available.
The Ottawa Treaty has been ratified by 165 countries. Finland joined in 2012 after years of debate, choosing to phase out landmines in favour of alternative systems.
According to the government, the decision to begin the withdrawal process was based on updated assessments by the defence ministry and foreign ministry, including lessons from the war in Ukraine and the tactics employed by Russia.
The government aims to bring the proposal before Parliament before the summer recess. If passed, the withdrawal will take effect six months after the UN Secretary-General is formally notified.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
