**Finland to Leave Ottawa Convention, Increase Defense Spending**
Finland will withdraw from the treaty that bans anti-personnel mines. The country‘s president, Alexander Stubb, made this announcement on April 1.
The decision is part of Finland’s plan to increase its defense spending. This will rise from 2.41% of GDP in 2024 to 3% by 2029. The aim is to make Finland a more secure country.
**Why Leave the Ottawa Convention?**
Finland was initially hesitant to join the treaty due to concerns about its border with Russia. However, it ratified the treaty in 2012. Now, President Stubb says that Finland will withdraw after a careful assessment by its ministries and Defense Forces.
The decision is seen as a response to changing security conditions in Northern Europe. Tensions between NATO and Russia have been rising since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Western intelligence agencies have warned of the possibility of a large-scale war in Europe within five years.
**A New Era for Finland**
Finland joined NATO on April 4, 2023, becoming the alliance’s 31st member. This has altered the security landscape in Northern Europe. As tensions with Russia escalate, countries are rethinking their defense strategies.
Other NATO front-line states, such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, have also announced plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention. They aim to enhance their defenses against potential Russian aggression.
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