Finland officially joined the nuclear deterrence initiative led by France, becoming part of a group that already includes ten European countries. The announcement was made following a telephone call between Finnish President Alexander Stubb and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The initiative, launched by Macron, aims to strengthen nuclear deterrence cooperation in Europe, in a context of growing insecurity on the continent. Helsinki thus becomes the latest member of an exclusive club of countries participating in this shared security scheme.
According to the article, France maintains exclusive control over its nuclear weapons and over the decision on their eventual use. However, the agreement provides for joint exercises and regular consultations with the participating allied countries.
This accession comes at a time when several European countries have been debating the need to strengthen their defense capabilities, in the face of current geopolitical threats. Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, has been one of the most active countries in approaching NATO and in cooperation on European security matters.
