The demilitarisation of Åland in a nutshell
The status of the Åland Islands has been regulated through a long row of international agreements. Åland has been demilitarised since 1856 and neutralised since 1921. Put shortly, demilitarisation means the following: Åland cannot be fortified No military forces are allowed on Åland Manufacturing, importing, and transporting of arms o and implements of war are forbidden Finland may only let light warships (e.g. not submarines) visit the islands from time to time Only Finnish military aircraft may fly over Åland, but not land other than in a case of emergency In addition to this, the Åland neutralisation means that Åland should be kept out of war. Åland may not, directly or indirectly, be used for any purpose connected with military operations. If the Baltic Sea is directly affected by war, Finland may temporarily lay mines to protect Finland (including Åland) against attacks over Åland. The security on Åland is assured, mainly by the Police (which is among the competences of Åland according to the Autonomy Act of Åland) and the Finnish Border Guard (which is the responsibility of the state) which in peacetime is a part of the police force but can be put under the authority of the Ministry […]