The closed entry area leading to the Vaalimaa border check point between Finland and Russia is seen in Virolahti, Finland. LEHTIKUVA
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The Finnish government intends to extend the closure of its border with Russia and continue the use of a contentious migration law aimed at preventing instrumentalised migration. The decision reflects ongoing concerns about security at Finland’s 1,340-kilometre eastern border, which serves as the EU and NATO’s longest shared boundary with Russia.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen described the situation as “tense but stable.”
She stated that Finland must remain prepared for rapid changes, reinforcing the decision to keep the border closed and extend the Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalised Migration.
The Border Security Act, enacted in July 2024, grants Finnish authorities the power to restrict asylum applications at specific border areas if national security is threatened. The law, activated for one-month periods, was introduced after Finland accused Russia of facilitating a surge of migrants at its border in 2023. Moscow has denied the allegations.
The law allows border guards to reject most asylum applications, with limited exceptions for children and people with disabilities. Critics, including legal experts, argue that the legislation violates Finland’s constitutional and international obligations on human rights.
Once denied, asylum seekers have no avenue to appeal decisions made under the act. Despite these criticisms, Finnish authorities claim the law has been effective in halting instrumentalised migration.
Applications for asylum can still be submitted at air and maritime border points, which remain open.
Since December 2023, all eight land crossings with Russia have been closed. The Finnish government has repeatedly extended the closure, citing security threats and the risk of hybrid attacks. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo reaffirmed this policy, stating, “The threat assessment of the eastern border remains unchanged, which is why we cannot open the border.”
Officials claim that the border closures, along with the migration law, have successfully deterred hybrid attacks. Finland will now propose extending the law’s validity until at least mid-2025, with the government planning to submit a formal proposal to Parliament by April.
Prime Minister Orpo also pointed to Russia’s “shadow fleet” as a significant security issue in the Baltic Sea. NATO and EU nations are reportedly coordinating efforts to counter the fleet’s activities, which include bypassing sanctions and threatening maritime infrastructure.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
