International Forces to Support Finnish Border Guards in Case of Escalation on Eastern Border 0 9

The Southeast Finland Border Guard practiced actions this week in accordance with the new border law at the closed border crossing points of Imatra, Nuijamaa, and Vaalimaa.

During the exercises, measures for returning migrants back to Russia to prevent directed migration were tested.

"The emergency law allows us to make a decision not to allow people into the asylum process through an assessment procedure if they do not have grounds for it," said Antti Virta, deputy commander of the Southeast Finland Border Guard. Forceful methods can also be used when returning people to the Russian Federation.

This procedure applies to the entire eastern border, regardless of whether people cross the border at an official checkpoint or bypass it. The temporary exceptional law is in effect until the end of 2026. However, a separate decision is required for each case of its application. So far, the law has not been applied.

Frontex and Foreign Border Guards Assist in Control

Estonian border guards and staff from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex participated in the exercises conducted at the border points of Southeast Finland.

"Foreign personnel help ensure border security in this region within their authority," noted Virta.

Broader powers may be needed if the likelihood of a military threat on the eastern border increases.

For this reason, the Finnish Border Guard agreed at the end of last year to engage the militarized European gendarmerie forces – Eurogendfor – for cooperation.

Gendarmes are militarized police who operate in several European countries. In their states, they are responsible for border security.

"The use of gendarmerie forces may be necessary, for example, in a situation where something between a complicated situation and a military threat arises on the eastern border," explained Virta.

In the exercises that took place in March, gendarmes did not participate yet. The fence, which will be completed by the end of this year, will change the ways border services operate in controlling the border.

However, Deputy Commander Antti Virta reminds that the fence does not completely prevent crossing the border between countries. However, it slows down attempts to cross and gives border guards additional time to respond.