The border between Finland and Russia remains largely closed, with only limited movement since November 30, 2023. Speculation about a potential reopening arose from social media, but credible sources indicate these claims are unfounded. Finnish authorities have ruled out any imminent reopening due to security concerns, despite some economic impact in border communities. Any future policy change would require a new threat assessment, and discussions of significant reconciliation between the two nations appear premature.
Current State of the Finland-Russia Border
As we approach the one-year mark since the closure of the roads leading east, the border between Finland and Russia remains heavily restricted. Since November 30, 2023, only a handful of border guards have traversed the extensive 1,340-kilometer divide. However, speculation is rife among certain online users about a potential reopening of the border. A recent post on November 12 suggested that Finland might consider “opening its borders to Russian residents” due to the economic challenges stemming from its current isolation.
The post humorously claimed that “empty pockets are the best argument in favor of common sense,” drawing mixed reactions from commenters. Some expressed optimism, suggesting that the Finns may be realizing that Russia could be a friend, while others speculated that this might signal a larger trend towards reconciliation between Europe and Russia. But is there any truth to the idea of reopening the longest external border of the European Union?
Debunking the Rumor
Despite claims made by the social media account citing “Finnish media,” credible sources reveal that the information is primarily circulating within Russian channels. Notably, a headline from Pravda stated, “Finland will open its borders to Russians at the end of February 2025.” However, this information originated from ’47 news,’ a publication based in Saint Petersburg, rather than a legitimate Finnish news outlet.
An article dated November 11 mentioned possible “contacts between the border services” but did not confirm any plans for reopening or mention an economic crisis. Finnish representatives have reportedly acknowledged a “deterioration” in the economic conditions of border areas, yet they continue to emphasize that the government has no plans to reopen the border in the near future.
On November 5, Ilta-Sanomat, a prominent Finnish daily, noted that the government is not considering a reopening anytime soon, citing ongoing risks associated with increased immigration. This sentiment echoes the accusations made against Moscow in November 2023, when Finland and the EU asserted that Russia had been sending migrants to the border as a means of destabilizing Europe, prompting an immediate closure of all crossings.
While some economic effects are felt by communities near the border, they are deemed minimal across Finland as a whole. The narrative suggesting that Finland’s economic hardships are driving a desire to reopen the border is misleading. Since the 2014 Crimea invasion, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing conflict in 2022, Finland has consistently distanced itself from Russia, with trade statistics showing that Russian exports now account for less than 1% of Finland’s overall exports.
Any potential shift in border policy would depend on a new “threat assessment” by the government. Should conditions change, a reopening could occur “in winter rather than in spring,” as noted by Ilta-Sanomat, in order to mitigate any possible influx of migrants. However, this would only involve opening a single border post, not a full reinstatement of crossings. Thus, the prospect of a grand “reconciliation” remains far from reality.
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