Finland leaves Ottawa mine ban treaty due to geopolitical security concerns

On Tuesday, the Finnish Government announced in a press release that it would withdraw from the Ottawa Convention and increase defense spending.

Both decisions are made as a response to increased geopolitical tensions, according to the press release.

The Ottawa Convention bans anti-personnel landmines and was signed by 122 countries in 1997.

"In the new security situation, anti-personnel mines would improve the capabilities of the Defence Forces and strengthen Finland’s national defence capacity and security. Finland remains committed to the humanitarian objectives of the Ottawa Convention," writes the Finnish Government.

Defense spending will also be increased from 2.41% to at least 3% of GDP by 2029.