According to Article 3 of the NATO Treaty (North Atlantic Treaty 1949), member states shall maintain both their own and their collective ability to defend themselves against armed aggression. However, Finland shall decide on the principles of its own defence and shall be primarily responsible for defending its own territory, if necessary, with the help of other NATO countries. Finland’s defence will continue to be based on conscription, extensive trained reserves and the will to defend the country. Joining NATO will not cause any changes to Finland’s military service system.

Finland shall also participate in NATO-led crisis management operations, but shall decide on it independently, as before.

In addition to NATO membership, Finland will continue to participate in other international defence cooperation, and there will be new opportunities for this. For example, Nordic defence cooperation and participation in the British-led JEF (Joint Expeditionary Force) will take new forms as a result of Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO membership.

The comprehensive security model will remain an important part of defence.

Read more in the menu International defence cooperation (link).

Read more in the menu Nordic defence cooperation (link).

Read more in the menu Defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden (link).