Finland Exits Ottawa Treaty on Landmines

On 19th June 2025, Finland's Parliament approved its withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel landmines.

• This move makes Finland the fifth European nation to exit the treaty, citing rising security threats from Russia.

What is the Ottawa Treaty?

• Signed in 1997, the treaty (Ottawa Convention or the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty) bans the use, production, storage, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.
• It also requires countries to destroy existing landmines and help clear mined areas.
• Finland joined the treaty in 2012, much later than most EU countries.

Why did Finland leave?

• The Finnish government said it made this decision due to ....