Finland is joining the France-led nuclear deterrence initiative known as Forward, according to a joint statement from both governments. In March, France proposed closer cooperation with European allies to bolster the reliability of its nuclear deterrent. The plan includes joint exercises, the potential for short‑term deployment of nuclear‑capable systems to allied territory, and enhanced consultations.
However, the effort does not aim to create a formal nuclear shield modelled on the American system. Finland‘s President Alexander Stubb said on X that the French proposal “does not replace NATO’s nuclear deterrence and does not duplicate it.” He emphasized that the country acts primarily as a member of NATO and the European Union and has no intention of hosting nuclear weapons on its soil during peacetime. On Monday afternoon, the foreign ministers of the two states were scheduled to sign an agreement on enhanced defence cooperation.
Finland strengthens nuclear policy
In June, the Finland parliament voted to lift a total ban on nuclear weapons. The nation joined NATO in 2023 after decades of military non‑alignment, a shift driven by Russian aggression against Ukraine and fears of further attacks on European countries. It shares a 1300‑kilometer border with Russia.
Earlier this year, France announced tighter nuclear‑deterrence cooperation with Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark. Norway joined the initiative in May.
The authority to decide on French nuclear weapons remains exclusively with the President of France. Paris is seeking greater support from allies in conventional capabilities, especially long‑range weaponry. Whether, and how, France might later deploy nuclear arms in partner states remains an open question.
Germany plans to take part in French nuclear exercises for the first time this year, although a date has not yet been announced.
Source: Der Spiegel
