Finland’s parliament has voted to lift a decades-long ban on nuclear weapons, paving the way for the potential stationing and transit of such arms within the country. The move is intended to align Finland’s defense policy with NATO’s nuclear deterrence strategy, following its recent accession to the alliance. Previously, Finland prohibited the import, production, possession, and detonation of nuclear weapons since the 1980s. The legislation now requires presidential approval to become law. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stated the decision strengthens Finland’s defense capabilities and allows for full utilization of NATO’s nuclear deterrent. This follows a similar initiative by French President Emmanuel Macron to bolster European security with France’s nuclear arsenal, an initiative Finland has expressed interest in, as has Norway through a recent defense agreement with France.