European Commission allocates €16 million to Finland’s Border Guard amid surge in instrumentalized migration

The European Commission has allocated €16 million in emergency funding to the Border Guard to address expenses related to the increasing instances of instrumentalized migration at the eastern border. This funding will cover various costs, including additional staffing, travel and accommodation expenses, as well as procurement of services and equipment.

The surge in instrumentalized migration became evident in Finland during the autumn of 2023, when a notable number of asylum seekers began arriving at eastern border crossing points by bicycle. In response to this situation, the government announced in November 2023 that international protection applications would only be accepted at designated border crossing points, leading to the temporary closure of other crossing points.

To enhance border monitoring and intelligence efforts, the Border Guard has intensified its operations and has allocated personnel according to the evolving circumstances. Temporary facilities and barrier measures have been implemented at border crossing points and along the eastern border to ensure adequate management capabilities for large groups of people.

As a further response, all border crossing points will be temporarily closed starting April 2024. This strategic approach reflects the ongoing efforts to effectively manage border security amid the challenges posed by the rise in migration attempting to exploit the region.