Finland’s withdrawal from Ottawa Convention to take effect

Finland's withdrawal from Ottawa Convention to take effect

Finland's withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention will take effect on 10 January. Finland remains committed to the humanitarian objectives of the Ottawa Convention.

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 of aggression against Ukraine has profoundly changed the security environment of Finland and throughout Europe. 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. Further details on this will be communicated separately.

On 10 July 2025, Finland gave notice of its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention to all parties to the Convention, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), who serves as the Depositary of the Convention, and the UN Security Council.

As defined in the Convention, the withdrawal will take effect six months after the Depositary of the Convention has received the instrument of withdrawal.

Finland's withdrawal will not affect its other obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law obligations with which Finland will continue to comply in future. Finland remains committed to the humanitarian objectives of the Ottawa Convention and will continue to support humanitarian mine action.

Inquiries

Jaakko Valjus, Desk Officer, Unit for Arms Control, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 350 805

Antti Vesala, Special Adviser, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 099.

The email addresses of the Finnish Government are in the format [email protected].