Finland´s withdrawal from landmine ban treaty takes effect

Finland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention took effect on Saturday, said the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in a press release.

Finland’s decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention was based on an assessment of Finland’s defence needs in the deteriorated security environment.

Russia’s war against Ukraine has profoundly changed the security environment of Finland and throughout Europe, said the Ministry.

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.

Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention will make it possible to start planning for reintroducing anti-personnel mines to supplement Finland’s defence capabilities.

The reintroduction of anti-personnel mines will proceed in accordance with the defence administration’s planning processes.

The President in July 2025 approved Finland´s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines.

Earlier, the parliament on June 19 approved the proposal on Finland´s withdrawal.

In May 2025, the government approved a proposal on withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention.

On 1 April 2025, the government decided to begin the preparations for withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention.