Finnish Border Guard announces closure of temporary border crossings in Parikkala and Inari
The Finnish Border Guard has announced the closure of temporary border crossing points located in Parikkala and Inari, Lieksa. Traffic at both locations has been halted for an extended period, with access to Inari ceasing on November 1, 2021, and access to Parikkala stopping on April 19, 2022. These actions were taken due to restrictions related to timber exports from Russia.
Inari is located in North Karelia, while Parikkala is in South Karelia. The decision to close the temporary border crossings was made jointly in October by the heads of the Finnish Border Guard and the Russian Border Service. The Southeast Finland Border Guard and the North Karelia Border Guard will now begin practical measures to implement this decision, which includes removing signage related to the border crossings.
The potential for reopening these temporary border crossings in the future is possible under the bilateral border crossing agreements between Finland and Russia. The closure of these points does not violate the existing border crossing agreement. According to the agreement, the necessary number of temporary border crossings for citizens and vehicles from both countries will be maintained to facilitate cooperation in border areas, timber transport, and other economic activities as required at any given time, the Border Guard emphasized in their statement. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.