Finland to Maintain Closure of Border with Russia Indefinitely

HELSINKI, April 16, 2025 — Finland has announced that it will keep its eastern border with Russia closed until further notice, citing ongoing security concerns. This decision was confirmed by government officials on Wednesday.

The closure of Finland's land borders with Russia began in late 2023 in response to an increasing number of arrivals from countries such as Syria and Somalia. Finnish authorities have accused Moscow of using migration as a tool against them, alleging that Russia is retaliating for Finland's membership in the NATO military alliance. The Kremlin has denied these accusations.

In a statement released by the Finnish government, officials expressed concerns over the possibility that "instrumentalised migration" could resume and expand, echoing trends observed in previous instances. The government emphasized its commitment to regularly evaluating the situation, stating it would consider reopening the border should conditions improve and no longer pose "a serious threat to national security or public order."

To reinforce its border security during this period, Finland has enacted exceptional emergency laws that allow the rejection of asylum applications from migrants attempting to cross its closed eastern border with Russia. This measure also enables officials to send back individuals attempting to enter the country illegally.

As Finland navigates its border policies amid these tensions, the government continues to monitor the situation closely, balancing national security with humanitarian responsibilities.

The ongoing closure of the border has implications not only for immigration policy but also for the broader geopolitical climate in Northern Europe.

For further updates on this situation, stay tuned.