For over a century, Finland has maintained a presence along the Russia-Finland border. However, Finland has recently announced the closure of the last remaining physical checkpoint along the border. This move comes at a time of warming relations between Finland and Russia.
The Keskitie checkpoint, located in the northwest of Finland, served as a typical border checkpoint, complete with passport control and customs for goods and travelers crossing the Finland-Russia frontier. The checkpoint was opened in 1917, soon after Finland declared their independence from Russia and was one of the many checkpoints opened by the Finns to monitor traffic between the two countries.
Despite the fact that the two nations have become more cordial with one another recently, the amount of people using the checkpoint has been steadily declining for years. According to the Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila, the closure is motivated by the ongoing efforts of both countries to normalize living conditions along the border and harmonize security protocols.
In addition, Sipila announced that the closure of the checkpoint will free up additional resources for the country and change the way security is handled on the Finland-Russian border going forward. The Prime Minister indicated that Finland would still maintain a visible presence along the frontier, focused mainly on preventing illegal immigration and smuggling.
It appears likely that the two countries will move closer together economically and militarily in the years ahead. The closure of the Keskitie checkpoint marks another step in this process and also serves as a reminder of the strength and cooperation forged between Finland and Russia in their century plus of shared history.
