The Finnish government has extended the decision to close border crossing points on the eastern border-its press service announced this on 16 April.
“The border crossing points on the eastern border remain closed and the filing of applications for international protection remains centralised. The decision will remain in force until further notice,” the statement said.
The government recalls that, according to the latest decision of 15 April 2024, requests for international protection can be submitted at other border crossing points on Finland’s external borders that are still open to air and sea traffic.
According to Helsinki, the decision to close the border has had the desired effect and “instrumentalised migration, which started in November 2023, has now stopped”. Through migration, the government argues, Russia can exert pressure and influence the security and social stability of Finland and the European Union:
“Based on the information available to the Finnish authorities, the risk that instrumentalised migration will resume and expand as previously observed remains likely. If this phenomenon continues, it will become a serious threat to Finnish national security and public order.”
The Government adds that it plans to assess the content and scope of its decision in line with developments in the situation.
Finland has had tense relations with Russia since a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The country dramatically changed its security policy, joined NATO in 2023, imposed sanctions against Russia and closed its border due to threats.