Abstract
Demilitarization and neutralization are among the specific restrictions that apply to the exercise of territorial sovereignty. Although frequently employed in international practice, no generally accepted definitions are available for either of these concepts. The void has given rise to a host of interpretations, which vary particularly widely in the case of demilitarization. The Åland Islands are a classic example of an area that has been both militarized and neutralized. Owing to its strategic location, it has repeatedly become the focal point of political clashes between European powers over the last two centuries. The Islands were seen as a key to pursuing Baltic Sea policies and balancing the strengths of European powers. The conflicts that swept through the region in the 19th century led to the gradual improvement of methods to demilitarize and subsequently neutralize the archipelago. Its status was ultimately settled in 1921 by an international convention and recognized after the end of World War II. The international legal status granted to the archipelago at that time has persisted to this day and continues to serve as a model of effective demilitarization and neutralization.
Highlights
Demilitarization and neutralization are among the specific restrictions that apply to the exercise of territorial sovereignty
The demilitarization and neutralization of the Åland Islands is enshrined in the Autonomy Act, which exempts the holders of domicile rights6 from military service duty (Article 12)
The 1921 regulations applying to the Åland Islands did not fully satisfy any of the concerned parties
Summary
Åland Islands is an archipelago of some 6,700 islands and islets located at the mouth of the Gulf of Bothnia on the Baltic Sea. The Autonomy Act empowered the Islanders to form their own parliament (Lagtinget) and government (Landskapsregeringen). Any international treaty which applies to matters that fall under the remit of the regional parliament, even if ratified by the national government, may only become effective on the Åland Islands if approved by its local parliament. The Islands and recognizes the special status of the Åland Islands under international law On these terms, with the endorsement of two referenda held on the Islands, the regional parliament approved the Åland Islands’ membership of the European Union. The demilitarization and neutralization of the Åland Islands is enshrined in the Autonomy Act, which exempts the holders of domicile rights from military service duty (Article 12). The peaceful and – as proven by history – lasting solution established for the Åland Islands in the 1920s successfully reconciled conflicting interests towards this strategically located archipelago
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