Poland and Finland Consider New Landmine Purchases as HI Urges Action

On February 20, 2026, Poland withdrew from the Mine Ban Treaty. On March 2, its Armaments Agency began market consultations to acquire 14.7 million operational antipersonnel mines.

On January 10, 2026, a senior Finnish Army officer said Finland could procure up to one million mines.

In light of these troubling developments,  Alma Taslidžan, HI’s Disarmament Advocacy Manager, says,

“How can the production of millions of new landmines be justified when decades of experience have demonstrated the devastating consequences of these weapons? States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty must prevent the renewed production of millions of antipersonnel landmines, especially when they are investing billions of euros in clearing contaminated land, restoring it to communities, and supporting survivors.

Antipersonnel mines do not create lasting security. Instead, they leave suffering for generations, undermine livelihoods, deprive communities of their land, and impose enormous human, social, and economic costs on entire countries. Governments planning to renew antipersonnel mine production clearly ignore these consequences and the burden they impose for generations.

All States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, particularly Poland and Finland’s closest European allies, share responsibility for preventing Poland and Finland from producing and purchasing landmines. They must use their political and diplomatic influence to stop the renewed production, use, and transfer of antipersonnel mines.  

Simply reaffirming general support for the Treaty is no longer enough. States Parties must act now! “

 Spokespersons are available for interviews upon request.