Finland to withdraw from Ottawa Convention, cites 'security concerns'
3 Min Read
Finland has initiated its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines, citing growing security concerns along its border with Russia.
-
NATO and Finland flags flutter over the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Helsinki, Finland, on April 4, 2023 (AP)
Finland has officially launched the process of withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. The Finnish government submitted the proposal to parliament on Wednesday, following a political decision made in April amid growing concerns over Russia’s military posture.
The move marks a significant shift in Finland’s military policy. Parliamentary approval, confirmation by President Alexander Stubb, and formal notification to the United Nations secretary-general are required for the withdrawal to take full effect.
Security concerns driving policy shift
Finland’s decision comes against the backdrop of increasing tensions with Russia. The Nordic country now guards the longest land border within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) against Russia, more than 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) long. The perceived concern of conflict with Russia has driven several NATO and EU member states to reconsider key arms control agreements.
Finland has a long history of conflict with Moscow and has emerged as one of the leading European suppliers of military assistance to Ukraine, which is now entering its fourth year of war against Russia.
In September, the Finnish Interior Ministry formally requested 50 million euros ($55.8 million) from the European Union to enhance its border security with Russia amid increasing warmongering from the bloc in the face of Russia in light of the ongoing Ukraine war.
"Finland... has requested additional funding of 50 million euros in order to strengthen controls on the eastern border," read a statement from the Finnish government.
The request, submitted through the EU’s Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument, seeks financial support to bolster border infrastructure. The allocated funds are intended for upgrading radio control equipment, improving data transmission systems along the border, and acquiring drones and patrol vehicles to enhance surveillance and operational capacity.
Regional trends in landmine policy
In March, defense ministers from the three Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, along with Poland, recommended withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention. They argued that reintroducing anti-personnel landmines was necessary for bolstering defense capabilities in the face of a potential confrontation with Russia.
While Norway, which also shares a border with Russia and is a signatory to the Ottawa Convention, has indicated that it will not follow suit, Finland’s move may influence further shifts in regional defense policy.
It is worth noting that Moscow has signaled its willingness to engage in dialogue with NATO, but only under conditions of mutual respect and equality, emphasizing the need for the West to refrain from escalating military activities in Europe.
To formally withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, Finland must complete several legal steps: approval by the Finnish parliament, confirmation from the president, and submission of the withdrawal instrument to the United Nations. Once completed, Finland would no longer be bound by the treaty’s restrictions on landmine use.
The Ottawa Treaty, officially known as the Mine Ban Treaty, was adopted in 1997 and has been a cornerstone of international humanitarian law aimed at reducing civilian casualties in conflict zones. Finland’s departure would make it one of the few European Union states to reverse course on the landmark agreement.
