Finland, a NATO member, has recently commenced the construction of a fence along its border with Russia. The fence is being built to prevent illegal immigration and smuggling, as well as to enhance the security of Finland’s borders. The decision to build the fence has been met with mixed reactions, with some people supporting it and others opposing it.
The fence will be approximately 1,300 kilometers long and will be made of steel and barbed wire. It will be built along the entire length of Finland’s border with Russia, which stretches from the Gulf of Finland in the south to the Arctic Ocean in the north. The fence will be around 1.8 meters high and will have surveillance cameras and other security measures installed along its length.
The construction of the fence has been prompted by concerns over illegal immigration and smuggling. Finland has seen an increase in the number of illegal immigrants crossing its border with Russia in recent years. Many of these immigrants come from countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, and are seeking asylum in Finland. However, there are also concerns that some of these immigrants may have links to terrorist organizations.
In addition to illegal immigration, there are also concerns over smuggling across the border. Finland shares a long border with Russia, which is known for its lax border controls. This has made it easy for smugglers to transport goods such as drugs, weapons, and contraband across the border into Finland. The fence is expected to make it more difficult for smugglers to cross the border undetected.
The decision to build the fence has been met with mixed reactions in Finland. Some people support the move, arguing that it is necessary to protect Finland’s borders and enhance its security. Others, however, have criticized the decision, arguing that it sends a negative message to Russia and could harm Finland’s relations with its neighbor.
There are also concerns that the fence could have negative environmental impacts. The border between Finland and Russia passes through some of Europe’s last remaining wilderness areas, including the Finnish-Russian Lapland. The construction of the fence could disrupt wildlife habitats and migration routes, as well as harm the traditional livelihoods of indigenous peoples in the area.
Despite these concerns, the Finnish government has defended its decision to build the fence. It has argued that the fence is necessary to protect Finland’s security and sovereignty, and that it will be built in an environmentally responsible manner. The government has also emphasized that the fence is not intended to send a message to Russia, but rather to address the practical challenges of border security.
In conclusion, Finland’s decision to build a fence along its border with Russia is a controversial move that has sparked debate both within Finland and internationally. While some people support the move as a necessary measure to enhance border security, others have criticized it as potentially harmful to the environment and Finland’s relations with Russia. Only time will tell whether the fence will prove effective in addressing the challenges of illegal immigration and smuggling, or whether it will have unintended consequences for Finland’s security and diplomacy.
