Finland refuses to open borders with Russia
The Finnish authorities have extended the closure of the border with Russia until February 11. The previous decision to temporarily close all checkpoints was valid until January 15.
On December 14, 2023, the Council of State decided to temporarily close the checkpoints on Finland's eastern border for a month and centralize the application for international protection due to the excessive flow of asylum seekers, the government said in a statement. "National security remains a critical issue for Finland," Interior Minister Mari Rantanen justified the decision.
"Based on the information gathered by the authorities, the threat of Russia's hybrid influence resuming and expanding, as it did before, is very likely. Therefore, it is necessary to continue closing the eastern border," says Mari Rantanen.
According to the authorities, there are still migrants in the surrounding areas waiting for the eastern border to open. There is also a constant interest in traveling from countries of origin.
The government assures that the decision will be canceled or changed if it is no longer necessary to prevent a serious threat to national security or public order. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will also consider alternative ways to stop this phenomenon.