Finland Will Allow Nuclear Weapons on Its Soil

Finland just scrapped a long-standing rule that kept all nuclear devices off its soil, a Cold War relic that lawmakers say no longer fits today's security landscape. Parliament voted 125–61 on Wednesday to lift the total ban, clearing the way for nuclear weapons to be brought into, stored in, or moved through the country in limited circumstances, reports the New York Times.

Officials say the move is aimed at tightening Finland's integration with NATO, which it joined in 2023 after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Nuclear weapons would be allowed only for Finland's defense or to support NATO operations. Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen called the overhaul "historic," saying it brings Finnish law in line "with that of our closest NATO allies." Politico notes he emphasized that Finland does not intend to permanently house nuclear arms on its soil.