Finland has decided to maintain its decision to close its border crossing with Russia (pictured). illustrative
Finland's eastern border will remain closed because there is no agreement with Russia on regulating migrants without proper documentation, Helsinki government chief Petteri Orpo said on Saturday. He added that opening the crossing meant allowing asylum seekers to pass through on the Russian side.
The Finnish government leaders spoke at the North-South EU summit in Lapland. Prime Minister Olpo invited neighboring Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the heads of government of Italy and Greece, Giorgia Meloni and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kalas to Finland's far north, where he met European leaders. is seeking support. The Russian government is strong in defending its borders with Russia and jointly fighting migration.
Border between Finland and Russia. There is a decision by the Helsinki government.
“The two-day summit, in a 'north-south' format, bringing together countries located on the EU's outer borders, will primarily focus on migration and security issues on the continent in the face of a tense geopolitical situation.” The Finnish government said in a statement.
See also: Signal interference in the Baltic Sea. Finland refers to Russia
– We must have the ability to combat (managed migration), as it concerns not only national security but also the security of the EU, the Finnish Prime Minister said, adding that migration is not only within the country but also more broadly. He pointed out that it should be talked about. The background to the problems faced by asylum seekers, particularly from North Africa and the Middle East. How Greece, Italy and the EU can improve border security.
North-South summit meeting. first discussion of this kind
The Swedish Prime Minister stressed that such discussions with the participation of northern and southern European countries “have never before taken place.”
In Finland, all eastern border crossings were closed to passenger and car traffic in December last year in connection with Russia's hybrid operation.
See also: Finland sends a “gift” to China. turned out to be too expensive
The STT organization noted that the leaders of southern European countries arrived in the famous tourist village of Saariselka in Lapland's Inari province during the polar night of midwinter (the sun only appears above the horizon in January).
Guests from the south, who were also visited by Santa Claus from Santa Village in Rovaniemi, were warned before their arrival that temperatures could drop to 20 to 30 degrees below zero.
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