The Finnish Border Guard has extended its agreement with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) to continue providing targeted support along Finland’s border with Russia.
Frontex Aid Remains Through Summer
Originally scheduled to end on January 24th, Frontex will now keep dozens of border guard personnel and technical equipment in southeast Finland, North Karelia, and Kainuu at least through summer 2024.
This includes document experts working along the eastern border and at the Helsinki Airport.
Finland is prepared to quickly deploy more Frontex resources if unauthorized border crossings rise substantially.
On January 11, the government continued its closure of border crossings with Russia, citing “instrumentalized immigration” by Russia toward Finnish borders.
The Frontex agreement began in late November 2023, with about 50 Frontex border guards and other employees assisting Finland’s efforts to monitor its eastern border.
About one-third of them will stay for an extended period.
Inspecting Russia's Border Traffic
Frontex aid includes monitoring equipment along with skilled document validation to inspect those crossing from Russia.
This will bolster Finland’s defenses as it continues restricting its border to address immigration issues caused by Russia.
The Border Guard emphasizes its readiness to utilize Frontex capabilities to rapidly scale up forces at the Russian border as needed this year.
Border Control Changes May Impact Travelers
The extended border control agreement between Finland and Frontex could have implications for visitors hoping to enter Finland from Russia or other Eastern countries.
With tighter scrutiny expected at border crossings and airports over an indefinite period, travelers should prepare for potential delays or questioning, especially if relying on visas.
The enhanced security coordinated by Frontex serves Finland’s national interests but could inconvenience migrants and families attempting reunification across closed crossings.
The ETIAS visa waiver, launching in May 2025, is designed to ease EU travel but may be subject to additional verification under the new border regime.
Adjusting Policy to Address External Threats
Finland’s Ministry of the Interior declares the bolstered Frontex forces are needed to counter Russia's “hybrid actions” against EU borders.
The move aligns with recent European Commission calls for member states to utilize security partnerships like Frontex in addressing illegal migration and external threats from state actors.
As Finland fortifies borders for its national security, the breakdown in diplomacy and ensuing immigration crisis will influence wider EU discussions on the Schengen Area policies and the upcoming ETIAS system.
More nations may follow Finland’s lead in leveraging resources like Frontex to control borders and immigration amid geopolitical tensions.
Strengthening Border Security Against Threats
The extended Frontex support highlights Finland’s ongoing vigilance against Russian border threats.
With bolstered monitoring capacity through summer, alongside readiness to quickly deploy reinforcements, the nation aims to control immigration and entry attempts used for political purposes firmly.
Finland is taking a tough stance to limit this Russian pressure tactic.
The fortified border control demonstrates its resolve and defensive coordination with the EU as the crisis continues.