Finland to continue working with Frontex to bolster border security against Russia

Finland has declared that it will continue to work with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to strengthen the security measures along its eastern border.

Discussions have been held to extend Frontex's support through the end of October, according to Marko Saareks of the Finnish Interior Ministry.

"We have proposed to Frontex that their border guards should continue to assist us in controlling the land border along the eastern front until the end of October," Saareks said, adding that "Frontex has not yet responded to our request, but we consider it very likely that the assistance will continue."

Finland's determination to tackle the issues brought about by the increase in illegal migrants arriving at border crossings in the east is demonstrated by their ongoing collaboration with Frontex.

Deploying Frontex's patrol vehicles and surveillance technology has supported border surveillance operations.

Frontex officers will be stationed at the Finnish-Russian border until the summer, according to an agreement that the Finnish Border Guard and the European Union agreed earlier this year.

Until October, about 50 Frontex border guards and support personnel will be stationed there.

"If the situation at the eastern border worsens, we will receive additional staff from Frontex if necessary. The situation will dictate the need, but the additional staff could be between 100 to 200 border guards", Saareks added, underscoring Finland's flexibility in responding to changing security threats.

Source: Newsroom