Finland is set to close its last remaining checkpoint on its border with Russia, signaling a major shift in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Finnish-Russian border is long and varied, stretching nearly 1,340km between the two countries. Since the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, there have been several checkpoints along the border used by both countries to facilitate trade and travel.
The new closure will mean that Finland will no longer have a physical presence on the border, which means that business exchanges, employee travel, and trade will likely decline slightly.
The Finnish government is citing improved security measures and the increased cooperation between Finland and Russia as the reason for the closure. Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pekka Haavisto, commented that “Finnish-Russian cooperation is in a new kind of phase. This shows that we can take further steps in progressing our relations and trust between the two countries.”
This move serves as a reminder that the relationship between Finland and Russia is slowly improving. This comes after a period of tense relations in the past, with the war in Ukraine in 2014 further widening the diplomatic divide. The closure of the final checkpoint is a move to further improve relations between the two countries and shows that security on both sides of the border is being taken seriously.
As the two countries’ relations have grown increasingly positive, this move is being seen as highly symbolic. It signals a new era of positive relations between the two countries. It is the Finnish government’s way of showing the world that it is ready to engage in meaningful dialogue, without feeling threatened by the presence of a checkpoint.
Not only is this a major shift in diplomatic relations between Finland and Russia, but it is also a major step for European security. The closure of the final checkpoint signals that the two countries are in a period of mutual trust, and this move should provide a positive outlook for the future.