Finland has begun constructing a metal barrier at the most exposed points of the border with Russia. The project, approved last October, aims to curb illegal crossings and the risk of a large influx of refugees.
In the southeastern border municipality of Imatra, work has started to clear trees and create a three-kilometer testing corridor. The pilot section is planned at a cost of roughly six million euros and will lay the groundwork for future expansion.
This segment sits near one of the busiest border crossings because of its proximity to St. Petersburg. It will feature a road, a three-meter-high metal fence with folding sections, and a network of video security cameras to monitor activity and detect potential threats.
If the pilot proves successful, construction will extend to additional sections. The overall plan envisions roughly 200 more kilometers, which would account for about 15 percent of the 1,340-kilometer border separating Finland and Russia.
Estimates from border authorities anticipate three to four years of work and a total investment in the hundreds of millions of euros, reflecting the scale and strategic importance of the project.
Approved by the government led by Sanna Marin
Officials from the Border Guard cautioned that the fence is not a standalone solution but a component of a comprehensive border-surveillance approach. It will work in concert with broader measures to monitor and manage border activity.
Public statements from the government underscore that the fence is intended to strengthen border protection and improve the ability to anticipate what might occur at the frontier. The decision came as tensions with Moscow rose following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the evolving security dynamics of NATO expansion involving Finland and Sweden.
Following a competitive bidding process, construction began in a period that coincided with Finland’s historic steps toward A NATO membership approval. The project aligns with Finland’s long border with Russia, the longest in the European Union, and positions the country as a key EU frontier state in security planning.
The border area remains a critical front in European security, reflecting Finland’s geography and strategic partnerships. The initiative illustrates a broader approach to safeguarding national borders while maintaining open channels for legitimate travel and trade. [Source: Border Guard and government statements]