Finland considers reopening border with Russia by late 2025

Finland may begin talks about reopening its border with Russia as early as the end of 2025.

If the EU were to resume political relations with Russia, Finland could begin considering negotiations on the border with its eastern neighbour. However, any potential "liberalisation" of border policies involving Russia at the EU level is not expected to take place before 2025, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

The government has been mentally preparing for the reopening of the eastern border, should the EU make significant decisions regarding Russia. The gradual reopening of the border is being considered, with freight transport likely to resume first before broader movement is allowed.

In February, Finland's Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen confirmed that authorities have no plans to reopen border crossing points with Russia. Helsinki anticipates attempts by Moscow to redirect the flow of migrants to the border regions. 

On February 7, Russian Ambassador to Helsinki, Pavel Kuznetsov, stated that Finland has no intention of reopening its border with Russia in the near future. The border has been closed by Finnish authorities since 2023.

By Naila Huseynova