Finland’s parliament approved a significant legislation on Friday, granting border guards the power to block asylum seekers crossing from Russia. This decision comes after more than 1,300 people arrived in the country, prompting Helsinki to shut its border. The Finnish government has accused Russia of weaponizing migration by encouraging migrants from countries such as Syria and Somalia to cross into Finland, a claim Moscow denies.
Helsinki suspects that these crossings are being promoted by Moscow as a form of retaliation for Finland’s recent accession to NATO, which supports Ukraine amidst Russia’s ongoing invasion. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s right-wing government has underscored the necessity of this bill to prevent future arrivals, despite it clashing with Finland’s international human rights obligations.
“This is a strong message to Russia, a strong message to our allies, that Finland takes care of its own security, we take care of the security of the EU border,” Orpo stated at a press conference following the vote.
Since last summer, over 1,300 asylum seekers have crossed from Russia, although there had been no new arrivals since March until Thursday. The Finnish Border Guard reported that one person crossed the border illegally on Thursday and applied for asylum upon being apprehended. Finland closed its land borders with Russia late last year, a move reflecting the escalating tensions.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, addressing the media after the bill’s passage, indicated that no decision had been made regarding the reopening of border crossings with Russia. Finland’s approach mirrors measures taken by other European countries, including Poland and Lithuania, to tighten border controls against migrants from Russia and its ally Belarus.
The Finnish bill was passed with a substantial majority, securing 167 votes in favour, 31 against, and one abstention. The proposal required a two-thirds majority in the 200-seat parliament to pass.
Prime Minister Orpo urged potential migrants not to undertake the journey to Europe through Russia. “Don’t go with the smugglers,” he emphasized during the press conference. “Finland takes care of its borders. The access to the borders orchestrated by Russia will not lead to access to Finland or Europe.”
Russia has consistently denied any intention to manipulate migration in this manner. The Russian embassy in Helsinki did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This legislative move underscores the growing concerns in Europe about the strategic use of migration to exert political pressure. By tightening border controls, Finland aims to send a clear message about its commitment to national and regional security. The bill’s passage marks a pivotal moment in Finland’s efforts to manage migration and uphold its sovereignty in the face of external challenges.
Finland’s actions reflect a broader trend across Europe, where countries are increasingly adopting stringent measures to manage migration flows. The effectiveness of these policies in balancing security concerns with humanitarian obligations remains a critical issue for the international community.
