NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Finnish cooperation with NATO is based on its longstanding policy of military non-alignment and a firm national political consensus. From this basis, Finland selects areas of cooperation with NATO that match joint objectives. The country monitors developments within NATO, and there is an ongoing domestic discussion on the merits of a possible future application for membership of the Alliance.

NATO highly values its relations with Finland. The Allies view Finland as an effective and pro-active partner and contributor to international security, which shares key values such as the promotion of international security, democracy and human rights.

An important area of cooperation is the country’s support for NATO-led operations. Finland has worked alongside the Allies in security and peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

Framework for cooperation

An important objective in Finland’s participation in the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme is to develop and enhance interoperability between NATO and Partner forces through a variety of PfP instruments and mechanisms. NATO and Finland detail cooperative actions and timelines in the Finnish Individual Partnership Programme (IPP), which is jointly agreed for a two-year period. Key areas include security and peacekeeping cooperation, crisis management and civil emergency planning.

Key areas of cooperation

Security cooperation

Finland works alongside Allied forces as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Approximately 100 Finnish personnel work primarily with a Provincial Reconstruction Team in the north of the country. The Finnish deployment began in 2002. Finnish forces have also played significant roles in securing peace in the former Yugoslavia. Approximately 400 soldiers are now operating with the NATO-led KFOR in Kosovo. In the past, Finland contributed a battalion to the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Finland’s role in training the forces of Partner countries, particularly in peacekeeping, is greatly valued by the Allies. In July 2001, NATO formally recognized the Finnish International Centre in Ninisalo as a PfP Training Centre. Finland regularly participates in PfP exercises.

Among other forces, it has declared one mechanized infantry and one engineer battalion, a mine-laying vessel and a small number of fixed wing aircraft as potentially available for exercises and operations.

Finland’s close ties with its neighbours Norway and Sweden have resulted in Nordic security cooperation, a further practical and efficient way for like-minded states to contribute to regional and international security.  In Finland’s case this activity is pursued alongside the Nordic Battle Group.

Finland is open in principle to NATO Response Force (NRF) participation Further sovereign decisions by Finland would be required before any specific participation or involvement in any particular operation..

Defence and security sector reform

Finland has participated in the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP) since 1995. This, along with participating in the Operational Capabilities Concept influence Finnish planning and activities. Cooperation in these frameworks is aimed at enhancing Finland’s ability to take part in peace-support operations, as well as allowing Allies and other Partners to benefit from Finnish expertise.

Finland is contributing to NATO’s programme of support for security-sector reform in the western Balkans, southern Caucasus and Central Asia.

Alongside NATO Allies, Finland has contributed to NATO/PfP Trust Fund projects in other Partner countries, involving the destruction of mines in Albania and Serbia and Montenegro, and of anti-aircraft missiles in Georgia.

Civil emergency planning

Civil emergency planning is a major area of bilateral cooperation. The aim is for Finland to be able to cooperate with NATO Allies in providing mutual support in dealing with the consequences of a major accident or disaster in the EAPC area. This could include dealing with the consequences of incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear agents, as well as humanitarian disaster relief operations. In line with this, Finnish civil resources have been listed with the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC). Finland has also provided valuable civil emergency training to Allies and Partners.

Science and environment

Under the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, scientists from Finland have participated in numerous advanced research workshops and seminars on a range of topics. Since 2005, Finnish personnel have participated in over 10 activities. Topics have included border security and the fight against terrorism, environmental security in harbours and coastal areas, and bioremediation of contaminated soils.

Evolution of relations

Finland has a longstanding policy of military non-alignment that remains in effect today. In line with this, Finland has not pursued NATO membership, but it joined the new Partnership for Peace (PfP) in 1994 to work alongside Allies in areas where bilateral aims converge. In 1997, the country joined the new Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). Finland has demonstrated a strong political commitment to the EAPC, and has been generous in its financial contributions to Partnership for Peace Trust Fund projects, as well as offering practical assistance to other Partners through the provision of training.

Finland joined the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP) in 1995 to foster interoperability with NATO forces in peacekeeping operations. Since joining PfP, Finland has played an active role in PfP activities and offers expertise to other Partners and Allies, with a special focus on peacekeeping, civil-emergency planning and civil-military cooperation.

Key milestones