Finland’s parliament has approved a defense treaty enabling a US military presence and the storage of defense materials in the country, according to local media.
The US-Finnish Defense Cooperation Agreement, signed last December, grants the US access to 15 Finnish military bases.
This allows the US to station defense equipment, supplies, materials, and troops in Finland, as reported by the national broadcaster Yle.
The agreement establishes a framework for US activities and a more permanent presence in Finland, including the creation of military zones with facilities accessible only to US personnel.
Additionally, the treaty will enhance cooperation between the two nations in crisis situations.
Kimmo Kiljunen, the social democratic chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, celebrated the treaty’s passage as a “historic moment” for Finland. He emphasized that the agreement, alongside Finland’s NATO membership, aims to bolster the security of Finland and its citizens.
Eleven other NATO countries, including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, have signed similar agreements with the US.
In Sweden, the defense pact vote on June 18 was contentious, with critics fearing it might lead to the deployment of nuclear weapons and permanent US military bases.
In Finland, lawmakers ensured the treaty adheres to national laws that prohibit the import and transit of nuclear weapons, as stated by the government.
The Helsinki government emphasized that the agreement respects Finland’s sovereignty, legislation, and international law obligations.
Finland began negotiations with the US for this agreement after applying for NATO membership in May 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier that year.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen revealed that Finland has been training Ukrainian military personnel both domestically and internationally.
