Norway plans border fence with Russia to enhance security amid refugee concerns

Norway is planning to construct a fence along its border with Russia to enhance security. This measure aims to prepare for potential large influxes of refugees from Russia, a situation that occurred in 2015 when approximately 5,000 asylum seekers walked or cycled from Russia into Norway at the sole border crossing, Storskog.

According to reports, a significant number of asylum seekers entering Finland from Russia last fall were allegedly sent by the Russian government, prompting Finland to build a fence along a 200-kilometer stretch of its border. Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl told NRK that a border fence along the entire eastern border, or at least part of it, could indeed be a viable option for improving security. While acknowledging that Finland finds the fence beneficial, Mehl noted the geographical differences between the two countries and mentioned that Finland has a significantly longer eastern border.

Mehl emphasized that constructing a border fence would be expensive, and current assessments are focused on weighing the costs against the benefits. She suggested it might be wiser to allocate funds to alternative security measures such as drones, increasing personnel at the border, and enhancing operations at the Storskog border station.

Ellen Katrine Hætta, the police chief for Finnmark, supports the idea of a border fence in certain areas. She believes it could deter unauthorized crossings from Russia into Norway and vice versa.

The eastern border with Russia stretches nearly 200 kilometers, beginning at the Arctic Ocean and following the Paatsjoki River before reaching a tri-point shared by Norway, Finland, and Russia at Muotkavaara. Unlike Finland, Norway does not have a wide border zone requiring special permission for entry, allowing anyone, including foreigners, to walk near the border. The area is popular among tourists, providing views of Russian watchtowers, and is closely monitored by Norwegian authorities.