Finland Defence: Ottawa Treaty Exit Boosts Capabilities

Finland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Landmines officially took effect on January 10. Despite the withdrawal, the nation reaffirms its commitment to the humanitarian objectives of the convention.

Finland Withdraws From Landmine Treaty

The decision to withdraw was based on an assessment of Finland’s defense requirements considering the changing security landscape, particularly Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which have impacted security dynamics in Finland and Europe.

Finland’s foreign and security policy prioritizes the country’s independence and territorial integrity, avoiding involvement in military conflicts, and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

The withdrawal will allow for the reintroduction of anti-personnel mines to strengthen national defense capabilities. Details regarding this process will be communicated as part of established defense planning procedures.

Finland formally notified all parties to the Convention, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (as the Depositary of the Convention), and the United Nations Security Council on July 10, 2025. The withdrawal took effect six months after the Depositary received the notice, as outlined in the Convention’s provisions.

Finland’s commitment to other obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, remains unchanged. The country continues to support humanitarian mine action initiatives and uphold the humanitarian goals of the Ottawa Convention.

In 2025, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia began the process of withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty. The three Baltic States, along with Finland, completed their withdrawals in December 2025 and January 2026, respectively.