Tallinn sets new 2027 target for full eastern border construction

Estonia intends to complete the development of its eastern border infrastructure with Russia by the end of 2027, according to Veiko Kommusaar, Director General of the Police and Border Guard Board, who outlined the updated timeline on January 7.

Speaking to the Lithuanian news portal, Kommusaar stated that “the Police and Border Guard Board plans to complete all work related to the construction of border infrastructure on the eastern border by the end of 2027.” Earlier planning documents had anticipated finishing the project in 2025.

Kommusaar explained that by 2025, construction of the border fence will be finalised in those sections where installation is both necessary and feasible based on terrain conditions. In areas consisting of rivers, lakes, or marshlands—where traditional infrastructure is not feasible—border protection is carried out using alternative methods.

He emphasised that the authority’s objective is to continue the remaining tasks scheduled for 2026 and 2027 in order to complete the eastern border system in its entirety. Ongoing work includes the construction of access and patrol roads, installation of fences and surveillance towers, and the development of video monitoring infrastructure.

Several issues remain to be addressed, particularly the expansion of land-based infrastructure and technical surveillance systems in areas where construction was previously postponed for economic reasons. As part of the upcoming stages, a border fence will be erected in 2026 on land that had originally been earmarked for exchange with Russia.

Regarding the Narva border river, Kommusaar noted that, in addition to the five monitoring positions already in place, nine new positions equipped with the required infrastructure will be installed.

By Tamilla Hasanova