On 10 January, Finland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Landmines officially took effect. Nonetheless, Finland reaffirms its commitment to the humanitarian objectives underpinning the Convention.
The decision to withdraw was informed by an assessment of the nation’s defence requirements in light of the evolving security landscape, particularly Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, which have significantly impacted security dynamics in Finland and across Europe.
Finland’s foreign and security policy is guided by the fundamental goals of ensuring the country’s independence and territorial integrity, avoiding entanglement in military conflicts, and promoting the safety and well-being of its citizens.
The withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention will facilitate plans to reintroduce anti-personnel mines to enhance national defence capabilities. This process will align with the defence administration’s established planning procedures, with further details to be communicated in due course.
On 10 July 2025, Finland formally notified all parties to the Convention, as well as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who serves as the Depositary of the Convention, and the United Nations Security Council of its decision to withdraw. In accordance with the provisions of the Convention, this withdrawal will take effect six months after the Depositary has received the formal notice.
Significantly, Finland’s withdrawal will not diminish its commitment to other obligations under international law, including compliance with international humanitarian law, which will remain in force. Finland remains steadfast in its dedication to the humanitarian goals of the Ottawa Convention and will continue to support humanitarian mine action initiatives.
In 2025, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia initiated the formal process to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty. Subsequently, the three Baltic States, along with Finland, completed their withdrawals in December 2025 and January 2026, respectively.
