Sweden backs Finland in securing EU’s external border to combat illegal migration from Russia

Sweden supports Finland's decision to close some border crossing points with Russia due to a surge of migrants from the country, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at a joint press conference with Finnish PM Petteri Orpo in Helsinki, Euractiv reported on Nov. 28.

"Sweden strongly supports Finland’s measures to protect not only the Finnish border but also the EU’s external border," Kristersson said, adding that the situation on the Finnish border is "being orchestrated by Russia and is aimed at dividing the West."

Read also: Finland refuses to negotiate with Putin over situation on Russian border

"We see this as a matter of national security," Orpo said, adding that, if necessary, Finland will close the last border crossing with Russia that remains open.

While the official pointed out that Finland has not taken in as many migrants as Italy or Greece, he warned of "Russia's aggression against the European Union."

"It’s a hybrid attack, and that’s why it’s so serious for the EU," the Finnish PM said.

Kristersson added that Stockholm will "offer a helping hand" with the situation "if necessary."

Read also: Finland edging closer to border lockdown as Russia's weaponized migration influx swells

"We, Norway and Denmark, if you look at the map, are countries that would obviously be directly affected, so we’re ready to contribute, but it is based on Finland’s initiative," he added, without specifying what kind of contribution he had in mind.

Among those who have crossed the Finnish-Russian border in recent weeks, some have reportedly already received negative asylum decisions, while others have canceled their applications.

Antti Lehtinen, head of the Finnish Asylum Unit, said that no one has received a positive decision yet, but these can still be appealed.

Some of those who arrived in Finland earlier had already applied for asylum in other EU countries and left the country.

Finland views the situation as a national security crisis, and the crossing of the country's borders is seen as a hybrid attack on the part of the Russian Federation, as Russian troops are actively sending migrants to various border crossing points.

Read also: Finland edging closer to border lockdown as Russia's weaponized migration influx swells

On Nov. 16, Finland announced the closure of four border crossings located in the east along the border with Russia. The restrictions will be in effect until Feb. 18, 2024, but may be extended if necessary.

Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl said that her country could support the Finnish government's decision and also close its border crossing with Russia, and the next day Estonia made the same statement.

On Nov. 22, several more border crossing points were closed, leaving only one open.

On Nov. 24, the Finnish interior minister said that the entire border with Russia could be closed if necessary.

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