On March 18, 2025, the defense ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland jointly announced their unanimous recommendation to withdraw from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, known as the Ottawa Convention.

The Ottawa Convention, which entered into force in 1999, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. It has been ratified by 164 countries. Notably, several major military powers—including the United States, China, India, and Israel—are not parties to the treaty.

The joint statement followed a high-level ministerial meeting and cited escalating tensions with Russia and growing security concerns along NATO’s eastern border. The ministers argued that their countries must reassess their defense strategies to respond more effectively to potential military threats. They emphasized the need for flexibility and the freedom to adopt new weapons systems. The ministers asserted that withdrawal from the treaty would enhance border security and strengthen their ability to deter and defend against possible Russian military activity.

Although the defense ministers issued their recommendation, the final decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention rests with the governments. If formalized, the move would mark a significant shift in European arms control policy.