Finland's government plans to amend border legislation to allow the building of barriers on its eastern frontier with Russia, it said on Thursday, in a move to strengthen preparedness against hybrid threats amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Finland, which is currently applying for membership in the Western military alliance NATO, has a history of wars with Russia, although currently the forest-covered border zone between the two countries is marked merely with signs and plastic lines for most of its 1,300-km (810-mile) length.
The Finnish government has rushed to strengthen border security as it fears Russia could attempt to put pressure on Finland by sending asylum seekers to its borders - as the European Union accused Belarus of doing at the end of last year when hundreds of migrants from the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa got stuck on the Polish border.
The government's amendments to the law include a proposal to enable concentrating the reception of asylum applications only at specific points of entry.
Under existing EU rules, migrants have the right to ask for asylum at any given entry point to an EU member country.
The amendments would also allow the building of barriers such as fences, as well as new roads to facilitate border patrolling on the Finnish side.
"Later on, the government will decide on border barriers to the critical zones on the eastern border, on the basis of the Finnish Border Guard's assessment," minister of internal affairs Krista Mikkonen said in a statement.
Latest Stories
-
My selection is an affirmation of your belief in women – Naana Opoku tells Mahama
2 mins -
Our ticket will be a pair of experienced individuals – Mahama assures
12 mins -
NDC officially outdoors Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate
25 mins -
+233 hosts Int. Jazz Day concert on April 30
30 mins -
Farmer arraigned over threat of death
48 mins -
Education Minister unveils new uniforms for basic schools
55 mins -
8th Ghana CEO Summit scheduled for May 27
1 hour -
Leaked intimate video has severely embarrassed me; I’m sorry – Serwaa Amihere
2 hours -
Poll results alone don’t constitute victory for any political party- Asiedu Nketia cautions NDC
3 hours -
Gyakie spills truth on her journey to fame
3 hours -
Energy sector CSOs challenge President Akufo-Addo to transparent value for money audit of SML contract
3 hours -
Plunderers of the State will face the music – Prof Jane Opoku-Agyemang promises
3 hours -
We don’t feel safe after inconsiderate conduct of Regional Minister – Ashanti ECG staff
4 hours -
Ghana needs urgent reset and inspiring leadership – Mahama
5 hours -
Asiedu Nketia cautions NDC: Don’t be complacent, election 2024 victory isn’t assured yet
5 hours