Goals and results – Border control as security guarantee
Border control guarantees internal security. In the changes in the Finnish safety environment, the focus of the Border Guard’s operations has been on border control both on land and at sea, as well as on anticipating situational awareness concerning the border situation.
In the changes in the Finnish safety environment, the focus of the Border Guard’s operations has been on border control both on land and at sea, as well as on anticipating situational awareness concerning the border situation. The requirements set by the central government’s adjustment programme have been executed without compromising on border security.
Furthermore, the eastern border remained closed in 2025 by Government decision. The Border Guard has maintained readiness to open the eastern border crossing points, as well as implement the Border Security Act, should the Government decide to reopen the eastern border or introduce the act.
We have combatted cross-border crime leaning on the updated legislation and powers.
Reputation and publicity
International media followed the cable damages and the movements of the shadow fleet on the Gulf of Finland. Presentations of the eastern border fence gathered representants of both national and international media to the eastern border.
Compared to the previous year, the Border Guard’s reputation and the trust we enjoy increased in the reputation research. Furthermore, also the administrative units’ regional results exceeded the accustomed results of public administration.
Impact and productivity
Productivity decreased slightly compared with the previous year. Investments in strategic projects are productive, but they will first materialise during a life span of several years.
Legislation
The timeliness of regulations concerning the Border Guard is regularly followed.
Powers have been improved to meet the demands of the security environment. In 2025, legal projects executing the government programme were prioritised in legal drafting.
EU supports border control
The European Union Internal Affairs Fund supported the Border Guard in, inter alia, the introduction of the Entry/Exit system (EES), in the projects concerning surveillance of the eastern border, as well as in fuelling the offshore patrol vessel Turva. EU provided emergency funding for the costs rising from the investigation and supportive measures concerning the cable damages.