Finland Faces Challenges in Participating in NATO Operations
The Finnish Ministry of Defense has revealed challenges in the country’s participation in North Atlantic Alliance operations, citing underdeveloped and problematic decision-making processes. Representative Markku Viitasaari stated that legislative changes are urgently needed in this area.
“It is clear that there may be difficulties and delays in setting up a decision-making system. An assessment is underway to determine the most effective way to implement this,” Viitasaari said, suggesting the need for rapid legislative reforms to remove any obstacles to Finnish troop participation in alliance operations.
The Defense Ministry also announced that a decision on the location of NATO ground forces headquarters in Northern Europe will be forthcoming. Experts have evaluated potential options in Finland.
“Hämeenlinna or another suitable location could be chosen, but Mikkeli, which currently serves as the headquarters of the Finnish ground forces, already has the necessary infrastructure, command and control facilities, and communications. This appears to be the most viable option,” Viitasaari stated. The final decision on the headquarters location rests with Finland.
On June 14, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen confirmed the establishment of NATO’s ground forces headquarters in the Nordic countries, with initial reports suggesting Mikkeli as the chosen location. The newly formed “high-readiness headquarters” will operate continuously and report to the headquarters in Norfolk, USA. Finland officially joined NATO on April 4, 2023.