Finland joins France's Advanced Deterrence Initiative

Paris, September 14 (KUNA) -- France welcomed Finland’s decision today, Monday, to join the Advanced Deterrence Initiative spearheaded by France. The French presidential Elysee Palace said in a statement that President Emmanuel Macron, in his address on the nuclear deterrence initiative delivered on March 2 last year at the Île Longue base, underscored the European dimension of France’s vital interests and outlined the concept of advanced deterrence. The statement added that “several countries have decided to become part of this initiative, and today Finland has joined them,” noting that “this decision, which aligns with the international commitments of both countries, represents an important step for European security and bilateral cooperation.” It clarified that the Finnish decision “will strengthen the partnership between the two countries and provide opportunities for sending strategic signals, as well as the capacity to manage escalation without crossing the nuclear threshold.” A steering group on nuclear matters is scheduled to be formed in the coming months to begin implementing this cooperation. The two countries reaffirmed their ambition to build a stronger, safer, and better-defended Europe. (End) M.B. / F.D.S.