Finnish Government prepares to extend validity of Border Security Act

The Finnish Ministry of the Interior has set up a legislative project to extend the validity of the Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalised Migration (‘Border Security Act’). The purpose of the act is to respond to efforts to put pressure on Finland through the instrumentalisation of migrants.

“The security situation at Finland’s eastern border is tense but stable for now. However, we must be prepared for rapid and critical changes. Finland still has no plans to open the eastern border,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

Finland’s eastern border is the longest external border that both the EU and NATO have with Russia.

“We thank our partners for their support, and trust that it will continue. Finland will not allow its external borders to become a pathway for instrumentalised migration into Europe,” Minister Rantanen says.

The Border Security Act is an important tool for protecting national security

The Border Security Act entered into force on 22 July 2024 and will remain in force for one year. It lays down the conditions under which Finland can decide to restrict the reception of applications for international protection in a limited area on Finland’s national border and in its immediate vicinity. The purpose of the act is to prevent foreign states from exerting influence on Finland through the instrumentalisation of migrants.

Finland’s eastern border will remain closed until further notice

The border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia have been closed since 15 December 2023 by virtue of a series of government decisions. The most recent decision was issued on 4 April 2024 and will remain in force until further notice.

Applications for international protection may be submitted at other border crossing points at Finland’s external borders that are still open for air and maritime traffic.

The above government decisions and the enactment of the Border Security Act have achieved their intended effect, and instrumentalised migration has ceased for now.

The aim is to submit a government proposal on the extension of the validity of the Border Security Act to Parliament in April 2025. The term of the project is from 9 January to 30 May 2025.

Inquiries:
Sanna Palo, Chief of Legal Division, tel. +358 295 421 601, [email protected]