Finnish government proposes 3% of GDP defence spending, plans to leave Ottawa Convention

Soldiers with a CV90 infantry fighting vehicle take part in the NATO ‘Nordic Response 24' military exercise on 9 March 2024 on the Norwegian side of the Kivilompolo border crossing between Finland and Norway. (AFP via Getty Images)

Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has proposed that Finland raise its defence spending to at least 3% of GDP by 2029.

According to Finland's Government Defence Report, Russia's developing military capabilities and political aspirations pose a threat to Finland and Europe. Finland must prepare to resist long-term military pressure and to fight large-scale wars that drag on for years, using national resources and as part of NATO.

Defence spending

The increase in defence appropriations was prepared in co-operation with the Ministry of Finance before being endorsed by the Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy. This will then become part of the policies outlined in the next Government Defence Report, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a press release on 1 April.

Once resources are increased the process for selecting further spending priorities can be accelerated. The decision on increasing appropriations and procurement will be made as part of the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2026–2029.