Finnish Government Closes Border With Russia Until Further Notice
"By closing border crossing points for maritime traffic to leisure boating, the Government is preparing for the possibility that instrumentalized migration could expand to maritime traffic".
FINLAND - The Finnish government has announced that it has now closed its eastern border with Russia "until further notice" as of April 15th, 2024.
"In addition, the border crossing points for maritime traffic at Haapasaari, the port of Nuijamaa, and Santio will be closed to leisure boating as of 15 April," the announcement by the Finnish government adds.
The statement also said, "The Government decided on the matter in its session on 4 April 2024. The decision will remain in force until further notice, but no longer than is necessary".
It cited the Finnish government is preparing for the possibility of "instrumentalized migration" expanding to maritime traffic during the Springtime.
"By closing border crossing points for maritime traffic to leisure boating, the Government is preparing for the possibility that instrumentalized migration could expand to maritime traffic as spring progresses.
This would be dangerous to people seeking to enter Finland and would burden maritime search and rescue."
"Based on information provided by public authorities, the risk that instrumentalized migration will resume and expand as seen previously remains likely. If the phenomenon were to continue, it would pose a serious threat to Finland’s national security and public order."
The statement adds that Finnish authorities see this as a "long-term situation" and that they have not seen anything to indicate that the situation has meaningfully changed.
Finnish Government: Finland's eastern border to remain closed until further notice (Full Statements Translated)
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