Finland wants to build a border fence with Russia

Road sign at Finland’s Imatra border crossing with Russia – Photo: REUTERS

According to Reuters news agency, this is a move to strengthen Finland’s preparedness against future threats after Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine.

Specifically, the government’s amendments to the border law will include a proposal that would allow asylum applications to be centralized only at specific points of entry.

Under current EU regulations, migrants have the right to seek asylum at any given point of entry in an EU member state.

However, Finland is rushing to strengthen border security because of fears Russia could put pressure on it by sending asylum seekers to its border. The European Union accused Belarus of using this “trick” late last year when hundreds of migrants from the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa were stranded at the border with Poland.

The amendment will also allow the construction of obstacles such as fences and new roads to facilitate border patrols with Russia on the Finnish side.

Interior Minister Krista Mikkonen said: “The government will decide on border barriers in key areas on the eastern border, on the basis of assessment by the Finnish Border Force.”

Finland has a history of war with Russia, although currently the 1,300km-long border with Russia is mostly marked by signs and lines.

Finland has also applied to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine.