Finland plans to withdraw from a global convention banning anti-personnel landmines and will increase defense spending to at least 3% of GDP by 2029 in response to the evolving military threat from Russia, according to the government.
Poland and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania previously indicated their withdrawal from the 1997 Ottawa Convention due to similar concerns about neighboring Russia.
By exiting the treaty, Finland, which serves as a guard for NATO's eastern flank, may begin stockpiling landmines to be prepared if necessary. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated at a press conference that while there is no immediate military threat to Finland, Russia represents a long-term risk to Europe as a whole.
"Withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention will give us the possibility to prepare for the changes in the security environment in a more versatile way," he said. Finland plans to allocate an additional 3 billion euros to defense, increasing military spending from 2.41% in 2024 to 3% of GDP by 2029.
President Alexander Stubb remarked on social media that this decision is part of Finland’s commitment to take greater responsibility for its own defense within Europe.
These announcements follow growing concerns in Poland and the Baltic states regarding Russia’s military posture, amplified by U.S. policy shifts under former President Donald Trump. Finland joined NATO in 2023, transitioning from decades of nonalignment due to Russia's actions, which were characterized as "counter-measures."
Finland first signaled its intention to leave the Ottawa treaty last November, when its military commander suggested the issue should be reconsidered, citing Russia's use of such weapons. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Sari Essayah emphasized the need for mines as a responsible deterrent.
Anti-personnel landmines, designed to be concealed underground and detonate when activated by proximity, have caused significant civilian casualties long after conflicts have ended. Since 2012, Finland has destroyed over 1 million landmines and was the last EU country to sign the Ottawa Convention, which has been ratified or accepted by more than 160 countries, excluding Russia.
The 1997 treaty was part of a series of international agreements aimed at promoting global disarmament following the Cold War, with anti-landmine campaigners having received the Nobel Peace Prize that year.
Approval from the Finnish parliament will be required to leave the treaty, but the move is expected to gain widespread support from both government and opposition parties.