Professor Laine proposes opening border crossing on Finland’s eastern border amid skepticism

Professor Jussi P. Laine from the University of Eastern Finland has suggested that Finland should open one border crossing on its eastern border. This idea, however, has been met with skepticism by some researchers. Senior advisor Hanna Smith from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe stated at a NATO researchers’ meeting in Joensuu that Finland should keep its eastern border tightly closed.

Laine acknowledges several aspects of the current border closure. He views it positively that Finland demonstrated its ability to respond swiftly to Russia. However, he questions the justification of an urgent situation, noting that the border is currently quite calm. He admits that the stable condition may be a direct result of maintaining strict border controls.

Laine proposes that it might be time to cautiously open one crossing to test the situation. He points to dual citizens and families living on both sides as a reason, emphasizing it concerns the rights of Finnish citizens.

He also values the practical knowledge gained from interactions with Russia, stating, “It is important to know and understand what happens on the other side.” Laine confidently believes that the Border Guard could manage potential issues if one crossing were opened in a limited capacity.

Finland shares an approximately 1,100-kilometer land border with Russia, and construction of a barrier is underway in some areas. Laine sees both the border closure and barricade as primarily psychological measures, suggesting that while they may not solve underlying problems, they do enhance a sense of security.

In contrast, in Estonia, three border crossings are open to limited traffic, highlighting different approaches to border management in the region. As border research continues, NATO-affiliated scholars gathered recently in Joensuu to discuss these critical issues.