Finland prepares for international border support in eastern crisis scenarios

Finland’s eastern border could receive rapid international assistance if Russia increases pressure by directing more people toward the frontier, according to plans outlined by the Southeast Finland Border Guard.

The Border Guard has conducted exercises this week at the closed Imatra, Nuijamaa, and Vaalimaa crossing points, practicing the repatriation of arrivals under a new emergency law. The legislation, valid until the end of 2026, allows authorities to deny asylum claims directly at the border if applicants are deemed ineligible for protection.

“The emergency law enables us to assess whether individuals should even enter the asylum process if they don’t meet the criteria,” said Antti Virta, deputy commander of the Southeast Finland Border Guard. Force may be used in repatriations if necessary.

The measures apply to the entire eastern border, regardless of whether arrivals use official crossings or attempt unauthorized entry. While the law remains unused so far, its activation requires a separate decision for each case.

Frontex and gendarmerie forces to assist in escalations

This week’s exercises involved border guards from Estonia and personnel from Frontex, the EU’s border and coast guard agency. “Foreign authorities assist within their own mandates in border security tasks as support in this area,” Virta noted. Frontex officers have more limited powers than other international units, with restrictions on firearm use.

For more severe scenarios, Finland has secured access to the European Gendarmerie Force (Eurogendfor), a paramilitary police unit with 800 officers on 30-day standby. These forces—militarily organized police from multiple EU nations—could deploy if the border situation escalates between a difficult migration crisis and a military threat, Virta explained. They did not participate in the March exercises.

New barriers, AI, and drones to enhance surveillance

A physical barrier along the eastern border, set for completion by year’s end, will change operational models. Equipped with cameras and sensors monitored by AI, the barrier detects unusual activity and alerts command centers. “We’re developing AI performance, particularly in figure recognition, but the barrier also integrates other technology,” Virta said.

The Border Guard is expanding radio-frequency monitoring, with AI analyzing communications to identify unauthorized border crossings. EU funding has also supported unmanned surveillance systems, including drones. While the barrier won’t stop crossings entirely, it slows movement and gives guards time to respond—replacing older, lower fencing in high-risk areas like Imatra.

Finland closed its eastern border crossings with Russia in December 2023 amid rising tensions.