NATO defence ministers support objectives of Finland's NATO integration

At their meeting of 14 June 2024, NATO defence ministers gave their political backing to establishing Multi Corps Land Component Command (MCLCC) and the presence of Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Finland.

“We started planning our NATO objectives last year with a view to maximising Finland's security. During the winter and spring, we actively promoted our objectives at ministerial and commander level and in various NATO institutions. I am particularly pleased that today all NATO countries have given their political backing to Finland's objectives. Finland's NATO integration is moving in a positive and favourable direction for us,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

Finland's objectives were based on an evaluation of how NATO's deterrence and defence could be developed to cover the Alliance's new areas of responsibility in Finland and Sweden.

“These decisions will strengthen Finland's security. Combined with our strong national capabilities, NATO's Multi Corps Land Component Command and the presence of the Forward Land Forces, which will be scaled according to the security situation, will create a very strong deterrent and defence for Northern Europe, for the Baltic Sea region and, therefore, for the whole of NATO,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen says.

In addition, the Allied defence ministers gave their political backing to organising Finland and the other Nordic countries under Joint Force Command Norfolk. 

“Having the Nordic countries fall under Joint Force Command Norfolk received political support. We are pleased that within a year of the Vilnius Summit we have made significant progress. NATO takes the defence of all its Allies seriously, and this decision will strengthen the deterrence and defence of the whole Alliance,” says Minister Häkkänen.

Inquiries: Janne Kuusela, Director General, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 300

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