Finland Starts Building a Pilot Fence at the Border with Russia

Finnish border guard has announced that the construction of a three-kilometre pilot fence has begun in Pelkola, Imatra. It is expected to be finished by June.

The Border Guard stated today that the Eastern Border Barrier Project was being implemented at the end last year in a statement. SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

This project received funding for both the pilot and the implementation of the most important target areas.

"The work in the terrain will start today, February 28, 2023, with the removal of trees, and they will proceed in such a way that in March, the construction of the road and the erection of the fence will be started, followed by the construction of the technical control system," the statement mentions.

According to the border guard, a barrier measuring 300 meters in length will also be constructed during the pilot phase. This will be part the Border and Maritime Guard School's training environment and will serve as a testing area for surveillance technology.

According to the country's border patrol, the agency contacted local landowners before deciding to build the pilot fence in Pelkola.

The Border Guard also announced it is working on an implementation plan for those areas that are most important. Construction of these areas will occur in 2023-2025.

These areas include border crossing points and the surrounding areas as well as areas that are essential.

The border guard stated that 70 kms of barrier fencing will be built and planned with the funds provided. Accordingly, 55 kms are planned in Southeast Finland, 7 kms in North Karelia, and 5 kms in Kainuuse, Lapland, and

A road will be constructed near the fence to allow for border patrols and maintenance workers to move. An opening will also be created near the fence to allow technical monitoring and reduce the impact of falling trees. The opening measures approximately ten meters in width.

Gates for the fence were also installed, which allow animals and border patrols to move freely. In all of the important areas, lighting and loudspeakers are also planned. An environmental assessment has been done to assess the potential damage to the environment.

Source: schengenvisainfo.com