rki.news | Sources Xinhua
HELSINKI, Sept. 14 — Finland has decided to join France’s nuclear deterrence initiative, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen announced Monday.
“This is a natural step, as our close allies Norway, Sweden and Denmark have already joined the initiative,” Hakkanen said.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb reaffirmed that Finland does not intend to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory. He said the initiative aims to strengthen European security, increase Europe’s responsibility for defense and help prevent escalation.
Stubb stressed that the French initiative does not replace or overlap with NATO’s nuclear deterrence, saying Finland’s priority remains acting within NATO and the European Union.
French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled the “forward deterrence” initiative in March, offering closer cooperation with European partners on France’s nuclear deterrence. Finland’s participation brings the total number of participating countries, including France, to 11.
Participating countries may join deterrence exercises, while conventional forces may take part in French nuclear activities. France has also considered deploying elements of its air forces to allied countries.
Finland and France are expected to sign a partnership document covering security, defense, energy, climate, technology, trade and investment.
Finland Joins France Nuclear Deterrence Initiative for Europe
