The Finnish city of Rovaniemi has been selected as the site for NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP) headquarters, a decision confirmed by Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen. This move is part of a broader NATO strategy to enhance deterrence and collective defense in the Nordic region. Häkkänen emphasized Rovaniemi's synergy and support capabilities, stating that it offers the best conditions for establishing a permanent base in Finland.

The new EFP headquarters in Rovaniemi will be of a size comparable to the NATO headquarters based in Mikkeli, which was officially inaugurated last fall. The opening of this base marks a significant step in NATO’s efforts to strengthen its military presence in northern Europe, aimed at countering potential security threats. The Rovaniemi headquarters will house several dozen personnel, reflecting a growing commitment from Finland and its NATO allies to collaborate on security matters.

In addition to Sweden, other countries, including the UK, Italy, and France, have also announced their participation in NATO's EFP activities in Finland. This international collaboration highlights the increasing importance of regional security and the alliance's collective defense posture, further enhancing NATO's capabilities in response to evolving security dynamics in the area.