The Finnish government has decided to close the Raja-Jooseppi border crossing starting Wednesday night, November 30, 2023. With this decision, all border crossings on the Finnish-Russian land border will be closed until December 13. During this period, international protection cannot be sought at the Finnish-Russian land border crossing points. The decision was made during an extraordinary session of the government on November 28.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated, “Russia is currently facilitating the instrumentalization of people and directing them towards the harsh winter conditions at the Finnish border. Finland is taking decisive action to put an end to this phenomenon.”
“In this situation, the closure of the entire eastern border is necessary. This decision aims to protect Finland’s national security from potential hybrid operations by Russia,” emphasized Interior Minister Mari Rantanen.
Despite previous restrictions, unauthorized entry into Finland via the eastern border has persisted. The government and authorities assessed that instrumentalized entry and the potential expansion of this phenomenon pose a serious threat to national security and public order.
Since the beginning of August, nearly a thousand third-country nationals have arrived in Finland without visas through the eastern border crossing points. The majority of these individuals have applied for asylum in Finland.
In the current circumstances, the government considers the situation to be of an extremely exceptional nature, justifying the temporary full closure of the eastern border, as stated in the opinion of the Constitutional Law Committee. This decision is deemed necessary and proportionate to halt the phenomenon and limit the serious consequences it poses to national security and public order.
Key Points:
- Border Closure Details:
- The Raja-Jooseppi border crossing will be closed from the night of November 30, 2023.
- All border crossings on the Finnish-Russian land border will remain closed until December 13.
- National Security Concerns:
- The closure is implemented to protect Finland’s national security from potential hybrid operations by Russia.
- Unprecedented Circumstances:
- The situation is deemed extremely exceptional, justifying the temporary full closure of the eastern border.
- Unauthorized Entries and Asylum Seekers:
- Despite earlier restrictions, unauthorized entry into Finland has continued.
- Nearly a thousand third-country nationals have arrived without visas since August, with most seeking asylum.
- International Protection Changes:
- From November 30, 2023, international protection cannot be sought at the Finnish-Russian land border crossings.
- International protection can only be sought at open air and sea border crossings.
- Legal Basis:
- The decision is based on Section 16 of the Border Guard Act, allowing the government to close a border crossing if necessary for public order, national security, or public health.
https://valtioneuvosto.fi/-/1410869/koko-suomen-itaraja-suljetaan