Finland has completed construction of a 200-kilometre fence along its border with Russia.
“As a member of the Schengen Area, Finland bears its share of responsibility for the security of the external borders. The fence is not merely a symbolic structure, but a practical and necessary part of Finland’s border security,” Finnish broadcaster Yle quoted Interior Minister Mari Rantanen as saying.
According to Rantanen, the barrier fence along the eastern border is necessary because the security situation in Europe has changed significantly. She did not rule out the possibility that additional sections of fencing may have to be built along the border with Russia.
The interior minister said Finland would not reopen its border crossings with Russia “because the threat situation on the eastern border has not changed.”
Construction of the fence began in March 2023. In total, 200 kilometres of fencing, 4.4 metres high and equipped with technical surveillance systems and a road network, were built at dozens of locations along Finland’s eastern border, which stretches for more than 1,300 kilometres. The longest sections of the fence are located in southeastern Finland.
Since 2023, Finnish authorities have repeatedly decided to close all eight passenger border crossings with Russia, citing what they describe as Russia’s organised efforts to direct large numbers of migrants from third countries towards the Finnish border. Finnish authorities regard this as Russia-organised hybrid attacks and a security threat.
Government representatives have repeatedly stated that the border with Russia will remain closed “until further notice.”
