Finland an Active Promoter of the NPT

Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and an essential element of international security architecture.

Finland is an active promoter on the NPT and finds the three pillars of the Treaty, nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear technology, equally important and mutually reinforcing.

Security Council Summit on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament. Photo: UN Photo(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window), CC BY-NC-ND2.0(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)

Finland was the first to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons when it was opened for signature back in 1968. The ratification followed soon after in 1969. Ever since Finland has been an active State party to the NPT.

Over the years Finland has worked for strengthening the Treaty and promoted its universalization.

The attached Fact Sheet shows our commitment to the Treaty and lists some of the activities that Finland has taken since the previous Review Conference in 2010 in support of the NPT across the three pillars.

Fact sheet:

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty : Measures taken by Finland

NPT is the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and an essential element of international security.

Nuclear Disarmament

Humanitarian initiative: Participated in the three conferences on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. In the 69th Session of the UNGA joined two statements on the humanitarian consequences. Eliminating nuclear weapons is only possible through constructive engagement with those states which possess nuclear weapons.

CD/FMCT:  Member of the Group of Governmental Experts on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty.  Hopeful that GGE's work eventually lead to negotiations on the FMCT.

CTBT: As a Friend of the CTBT Finland underlines the importance of the entry into force of the CTBT and co-organises the CTBT Ministerial Meetings in the margins of the UN General Assembly.

Disarmament and non-proliferation education:  Formed and funded a group scholars representing new generation in disarmament and non-proliferation studies

International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification: Partner in the recently launched International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification initiative

Nuclear Non-proliferation

IAEA Safeguards: Longstanding supporter of IAEA safeguards in words and deeds. Since 2010 contributed through the National Safeguards Support Programme 863 000 euro to the IAEA safeguards.

Joint Plan of Action: Provided a financial contribution of 400 000 euros for the implementation of the IAEA monitoring and verification activities in the Islamic Republic of Iran in relation to the Joint Plan of Action.

UN Security Council resolution 1540: provided assistance to States through contributions to the Group of Eight Global Partnership Programme. Since 2010 contributed over 1,5 million euros to Second Line of Defence programme under the Nuclear Smuggling Outreach Initiative.

Nuclear Security

CPPNM: Ratified the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material in 2005.

IAEA Nuclear Security: Continues to provide financial and in-kind support to the IAEA Nuclear Security, since 2010 250 000 euro to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund.
Nuclear Security Summit:  An active original member of the Nuclear Security Summit process.

GICNT: Contributes to combating nuclear terrorism by hosting the Plenary of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) in June 2015 in Helsinki.

Peaceful Uses

Nuclear power is an important part of Finland's national energy mix.

IAEA: Pays its assessed contributions to the IAEA regular budget and the Technical Cooperation Fund in full and on time.

Nuclear Safety: Finland is a State party to all international conventions in the field of nuclear safety. Finland attaches great importance in further improvement of nuclear safety and has consistently supported the IAEA activities in this area.

UNSCEAR: Member of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation since 2011. 

Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons

Finland offered to host the 2012 Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction. Finland was chosen as the host country and Under Secretary of State Jaakko Laajava was appointed as the facilitator for the Conference to be held in Helsinki.