EU Deploys Agents to Help Finland Bolster Russian Border
The European Union’s border agency, Frontex, has announced plans to deploy personnel and resources to Finland to address concerns about weaponized migration allegedly orchestrated by Russia. Around 50 border agents and additional staff will be sent to Finland next week, along with patrol cars and other equipment to provide significant reinforcement for Finnish agents. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has accused Russia of causing a serious disruption of border security and called it a systematic and organized action by Russian authorities. However, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, denied the accusation, stating that Finnish authorities were making clumsy excuses driven by Russophobic sentiment.
The increased deployment comes as Finnish authorities have reported over 700 migrants from Afghanistan, Iraq, Kenya, Morocco, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen arriving at the Finnish border since November 1, many without proper identification, visas, or documents. This is a significant surge compared to just a few dozen arrivals in September and October. Finnish officials believe the change in migration patterns is a direct result of Finland joining NATO in April, a move that Russia warned would lead to countermeasures. Finnish authorities claim that Russia’s alleged involvement in increasing unauthorized border crossings is a direct response to their decision to join the military alliance.
The current situation along the 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) Russia-Finland border is reminiscent of a similar scenario from two years ago when Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania accused Belarus, a Russian ally, of facilitating the movement of migrants to their borders in response to EU sanctions. Belarus denied any involvement despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
The potential humanitarian crisis resulting from the situation is a concern for Finland. Even with reinforced border control measures, migrants may attempt to enter illegally through forests and wilderness areas. Additionally, Finland is legally obligated to allow migrants to apply for asylum, even if they enter the country unlawfully. The Finnish government has already closed four of the nine Russian border crossings and erected fencing and other barriers at remaining entry points.
Frontex’s Executive Director, Hans Leijtens, described the deployment of border agents to Finland as a demonstration of the European Union’s unified stance against hybrid challenges impacting its member states. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson reassured Finland that the European Union stands behind them, emphasizing the importance of protecting the EU border while upholding fundamental rights.
Finland’s Baltic neighbor Estonia has also accused Russia of facilitating illegal migration, further fueling concerns about the situation’s broader impact in the region. Estonia’s Defense Minister, Hanno Pevkur, dismissed Russian claims of innocence, citing the existence of Russian security service-controlled border zones where unauthorized entry is prohibited without permission.
As the situation develops, Finnish authorities and their EU counterparts are closely monitoring the border to prevent unauthorized entries and ensure the protection of both the EU’s easternmost border and the rights of migrants seeking asylum. The deployment of additional agents and resources marks a significant step in bolstering security and addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing influx of migrants along the Russia-Finland border.
