Raja.fi press releases

Criminal investigation into unmanned aerial vehicle in Iitti continues

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:29:00 GMT

The objective of the investigations is to establish, among others, whether the unmanned aircraft found in Iitti entered the Finnish territory at the same time as the previously found aircraft. The authorities aim to clarify the matter as the criminal investigation progresses.

– We can say at this point that it is the same kind of aircraft as those found earlier. On the basis of the information that we have received during the criminal investigation, all the four aircraft that have been found are a different kind from the type mentioned in public. They are significantly smaller than what has been described in public, says Detective Superintendent Risto Lohi of the National Bureau of Investigation.

– The aircraft that have been found are smaller than what has been reported in public, and it is suspected that they are of Ukrainian origin. It should be highlighted, however, that forensic investigations are still underway, and we are not going to draw any conclusions yet, adds Lieutenant Jyri Siitari of the Border Guard’s Gulf of Finland Coast Guard.

As the authorities suspected that all the aerial vehicles were carrying explosives, they rendered them safe.

All the debris of aircraft found in Iitti has been submitted for forensic examination. The National Bureau of Investigation and the Border Guard continue to investigate the incidents.

The deviation of the unmanned aerial vehicles is due to Ukraine's countermeasures in response to Russia's aggression in the war. The deviation of the is possibly due to GNSS interference.

The police still remind people that if they see any unmanned aircraft or debris of aircraft on the ground, they must not touch or approach that but report their sightings to the authorities by calling the emergency number 112.

]]>

Criminal investigations into unmanned aerial vehicles continue

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The National Bureau of Investigation and the Border Guard have continued to investigate the unmanned aerial vehicles which entered Finland and fell on the ground on 29 March 2026, and the unmanned aircraft found on 31 March 2026. The authorities have carried out forensic investigations and gathered background information to investigate the incidents. The investigations continue at Easter. It is suspected that the unmanned aircraft under investigation are of Ukrainian origin.

The Southeastern Finland Police Department continues to verify the sightings of unmanned aircraft. The Border Guard investigates the incidents as territorial violations.

- We have continued the investigation of territorial violations by examining the extensive criminal investigation material. Cooperation between the authorities has been excellent in the case, says Senior Lieutenant Jyri Siitari of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard, who heads the investigations into the territorial violations.

The offences investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation are grossly negligent endangerment and negligent endangerment. The Finnish Defence Forces have provided assistance in the investigations.

- Based on information gathered during the investigations, we cannot at this point completely exclude the possibility that, in addition to the unmanned aerial vehicles already found, other unmanned aircraft might have also ended up on the ground during the previous incidents, says Deputy Director of National Bureau of Investigation Timo Kilpeläinen.

Because of the Ukrainian response to the Russian war of aggression, it is possible that such aircraft might also be strayed into Finnish territory in future, especially in the area of Kymenlaakso and South Karelia.

The police remind people that if they see any debris of aircraft on the ground, they must under no circumstances approach or touch the target but move at a safe distance and report the sighting to the authorities by calling the emergency number 112. Do not share your location or any pictures of the aircraft, or its parts, on social media.

The police recommend that people read the following instructions of the Ministry of the Interior: Authorities’ instructions for when you see a drone - Ministry of the Interior.

Inquiries:

Deputy Chief of National Bureau of Investigation Timo Kilpeläinen, tel. +358 295 486 700

Actions by the Border Guard: Deputy Commander Ilja Iljin, Gulf of Finland Coast Guard, tel. +358 295 426 002

]]>

Investigation Into Unmanned Aerial Vehicles That Fell to the Ground Progresses

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

With regard to the unmanned aerial vehicle that fell in Luumäki, South Karelia, earlier, authorities have discovered parts of the vehicle during a site examination on land and ice. These parts are now undergoing technical examination. No findings have been made in the investigations of the waterbed. The site examination in the area will continue.

The National Bureau of Investigation and the Finnish Border Guard have established a joint investigation team to resolve the matter.

The Finnish Border Guard continues its investigation into the territorial violation. The investigation is expected to take several weeks. Among other things, the investigation seeks to clarify the route of the unmanned aerial vehicles and the sequence of events that led to their arrival in Finnish territory.

In Savisto, Kouvola, authorities completed the investigation operations yesterday afternoon, and the area’s cordon was lifted at approximately 15:30. The cordons around Luumäki for vehicular traffic were also removed yesterday around 18:00. Citizens are now free to move about in both Savisto and Luumäki.

The police remind the public that if anyone comes across parts of devices potentially related to these events in the field, under no circumstances should they approach or touch the objects. Any such findings should be reported to the authorities by calling the emergency number 112.

In relation to the aerial vehicle found today, 31st March 2026, at Lake Pyhäjärvi in Parikkala, the National Bureau of Investigation is providing support to the authorities on-site and will assess separately the need for any potential preliminary investigation.

]]>

Operation in Response to UAV Incidents in South-East Finland Continues

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Investigations into the incidents involving the UAVs that came down in south-east Finland are continuing, with the relevant authorities working in close collaboration. The National Bureau of Investigation continues the criminal investigation, while South-East Finland Police Department maintains cordons around the landing sites of the two UAVs that came down north of Kouvola and in Luumäki on Sunday. Finnish Defence Forces executive assistance detachments have been supporting the police operation.

All but two of the persons evacuated from the area were able to return to their homes for the night, according to Detective Superintendent Jukka Lankinen of South-East Finland Police Department.

The UAV that came down north of Kouvola was found, in a preliminary assessment by the authorities, to have an unexploded warhead attached, as a result of which it was destroyed in a controlled explosion at 23:26 yesterday evening. The explosion heard in the area during the night was the result of the controlled explosion carried out by the authorities to render the unexploded warhead safe.

In Luumäki, police and the Border Guard have been examining the site and its surroundings over the past two days. The authorities are investigating whether the UAV had exploded on impact.

Debris from the UAV has been found scattered across the area around the landing site in Luumäki, and the search for further debris is continuing today as a joint operation by the authorities. Police have also been investigating a reported UAV sighting in Pyhtää, Kymenlaakso, but enquiries have established that the sighting in all likelihood relates to the incidents in Kouvola and Luumäki.

- The criminal investigation is progressing as the landing scenes are made safe for work and as UAV parts are recovered and examined. At the same time, police are conducting tactical investigations, including the interviewing of witnesses. As the investigation progresses, the origin of the devices will also be established, says Detective Chief Superintendent Risto Lohi of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The National Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case as grossly negligent endangerment. The Finnish Border Guard is responsible for the investigation into the territorial violation. The National Bureau of Investigation and the Finnish Border Guard have agreed to establish a joint investigation team to investigate the case.

- Finnish Border Guard continues to investigate the territorial violation. For example, searches are being conducted in the lakes near the landing sites to locate further parts of the UAVs, says Deputy Commander Ilja Iljin of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District.

The police wish to emphasise that should members of the public find any debris or other objects in the terrain that may be connected to Sunday's incidents, these must under no circumstances be approached or touched. Any such findings should be reported to the authorities by calling the emergency number 112.

Photos:

Unmanned aerial vehicle in the forest in northern Kouvola. Photo: Police

Divers from the Finnish Border Guard’s Gulf of Finland Coast Guard are examining parts of the aerial vehicle in Luumäki. Photo: Border Guard

]]>

Bombardier handed over the first aircraft to the integrator, Sierra Nevada Company

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:02:00 GMT

The actual handover was preceded by a detailed acceptance inspection and the relating test flights. During these test flights, a pilot from the Finnish Border Guard got to fly this aircraft for the first time. SNC has the main responsibility over the acceptance, but the Finnish Border Guard, together with its MVX team, prepared and implemented the acceptance inspections and test flights in cooperation with SNC’s acceptance inspectors. The cooperation between the Finnish Border Guard’s and the SNC’s acceptance teams was fluent, and the measures carried out complemented each other. Based on the observations, Bombardier carried out the necessary repairs and changes on the aircraft.

Representatives of Bombardier, SNC (Sierra Nevada Company) and the Finnish Border Guard present in the initial acceptance.

Through supervision during the construction process, we ensure that the resulting product has been carried out in accordance with the procurement contract, as well as the technical requirements and specifications. Moreover, the supervision aims to further the effective and appropriate construction of the product through interaction of both parties. Alongside the supervision, competence is already increased during the construction, in order to ensure that the operative implementation will, in its time, be as effective as possible. In addition to this, we ensure that the final product meets the operational requirements, further the construction of the final product through active interaction, while ensuring effective operational implementation and maximising the improvement of competence already during the construction.

After the acceptance and the handover, we are one step closer to the first aircraft’s handover to the Finnish Border Guard’s operative use in the beginning of 2027.

]]>

The keel of the Finnish Border Guard’s second patrol vessel was laid in traditional ceremony

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:55:00 GMT

On 30 September 2025, a keel laying ceremony was arranged at Baltic Operator’s shipyard in Gdansk. The ceremony took place in the presence of the representatives of the Finnish Border Guard, Meyer Turku Oy, Baltic Operator and Bureau Veritas.

The keel laying ceremony is an old tradition. Before keel laying, the customer’s and supplier’s representatives, as well as the representatives of the classification society, placed their lucky coins under the keel beneath the first block. Later on, the coins will be transferred to the completed vessel to bring her luck. This tradition derives from the times of sailing ships, when coins were placed under the main mast for sailing luck.

‘The offshore patrol vessels are built in the facilities of our long-term partner shipyards under the leadership of Meyer Turku, meeting our quality standards. Our common, highly timely project has already proceeded into the stage where we celebrate the keel laying of the second vessel’, the CEO of Meyer Turku, Casimir Lindholm, states.

‘The new offshore patrol vessels will significantly improve Finland’s border security and maritime safety in this demanding security environment that is hard to predict’, the Finnish Border Guard’s Project Leader, Major General Jari Tolppanen, states.

The operational capability of the Finnish Border Guard’s vessels currently under construction is significantly better compared to the old vessels. The vessels’ monitoring and response capabilities during border surveillance tasks, as well as their capabilities in surveillance and protection of territorial integrity in connection to it will be improved. Advanced surveillance systems and data transfer solutions improve maintenance of real-time situation picture and sharing of it. The new vessels also improve the ability to prevent major accidents and the ability to carry out rescue operations. All the vessels have an immediate readiness to control serious environmental accidents, and the total oil recovery capacity will be approximately twice the size of the present capacity. The new vessels will produce low emissions and be energy-efficient.

]]>

The Border Museum goes on to winter season – thank you to all visitors!

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:02:00 GMT

The Border Museum is open to the public during summer season. On winter season, the museum is open only on selected days. We will announce these visiting days on Raja.fi-webpages.

You can follow us on social media, where we update news from the Museum (these are mostly in Finnish)

Facebook: Border and Coast Guard Academy @MahdollisuuksienRaja and Finnish Border Guard @rajavartiolaitos
Instagram: Finnish Border Guard @rajavartiolaitos

Museum visits for groups

For groups, we offer guided tours by appointment throughout the year. Please contact us by phone or e-mail with details about your group and the preferred date of your visit.

Contact information and visitor instructions for the Border Museum

Donations to the collection

Did you know that in addition to a collection of different items, the Border Museum also keeps an archive? We are also happy to receive material donations. Should you have any material concerning the border or the Finnish Border Guard, please contact us!

]]>

Government: Finland's eastern border to remain closed until further notice

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:04:00 GMT

The Government’s decision on the closure of the border has been in force under the same conditions for about a year. This is why it was reasonable to reassess the content of the decision and its preconditions. The new decision repeals a similar decision made by the Government on 4 April 2024.

The border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia have been closed since 15 December 2023 by virtue of a series of government decisions. The most recent decision entered into force on 15 April 2024. Applications for international protection may be submitted at other border crossing points at Finland’s external borders that are still open for air and maritime traffic.

The above government decisions and the enactment of the ‘Border Security Act’ have achieved their intended effect, and instrumentalised migration, which began in November 2023, has ceased for now. Instrumentalised migration is one way that Russia can put pressure on and affect the security and social stability of Finland and the EU.

Based on information available to the Finnish authorities, the risk that instrumentalised migration will resume and expand as seen previously remains likely. If the phenomenon were to continue, it would pose a serious threat to Finland’s national security and public order.

The Government will regularly assess the content and scope of the decision as the situation develops in cooperation with the Finnish Border Guard and other public authorities. The decision will be repealed or amended if it is no longer necessary to prevent a serious threat to national security or public order.

The press release was previously published on the website of the Ministry of the Interior.

]]>

The Finnish Border Guard has increased oil spill response capability

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 18:20:00 GMT

There have been media reports of a damaged oil tanker in the port of Ust-Luga, Russia. The Finnish Border Guard has increased its oil spill response capability. The Finnish Border Guard's surveillance aircraft were being directed to the Eastern Gulf of Finland area. Oil spills were not detected. The situation is calm. The Border Guard will continue to investigate the situation in international cooperation.

]]>

Changed operating environment also puts demands on the PCB cooperation

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:14:00 GMT

A joint goal of the Police, Customs, the Border Guard and the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service is to promote safety and security in society in a flexible, fast and efficient manner, and to do their part in ensuring Finland is the safest country in the world. Enforcement and crime prevention is at the heart of the PCB authorities’ work, as well as safeguarding the vital functions of society.

“The work of Finnish Customs and the other internal security authorities ensures a reliable operating environment for us all. Lately, the importance of the PCB cooperation in guaranteeing societal safety and security and operational reliability has been even more highlighted. The power of this cooperation lies in its flexibility and efficiency, which is needed when facing the present challenges,” says Riikka Purra, Minister of Finance.

More impactful results through shared information

Shared information is the basis for the activities and decision-making and guides the PCB cooperation in crime prevention, enforcement and preparedness. A data-driven PCB cooperation can add value to the activities of the parties and help them respond to sudden developments.

The changed operating environment and the security situation pose challenges to the authorities’ activities and this also puts pressure on developing the PCB cooperation. The view is that the changes affecting the operating environment of the PCB authorities are most likely to continue.

“The PCB partnership has a significant impact on societal safety and security and the operating reliability in a changing operating environment where intelligence and a shared and coordinated preparedness are of key importance. The capabilities, powers and legislation will be developed in the same direction and from the point of view of cooperation, while taking into account the role and tasks of each authority,” says Mari Rantanen, Minister of the Interior.

The aim of ensuring that the PCB cooperation has the necessary operating requirements and powers is also mentioned in the Government Programme.

]]>

Changes and promotions in the Finnish Border Guard Command on 1 February 2025

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:57:00 GMT

The post and function of Deputy Chief of the Finnish Border Guard became vacant, when the current officeholder, Major General Matti Sarasmaa, was on 19 December 2024 appointed as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior as from 1 February 2025.

Furthermore, the President of the Republic appointed Colonel Tuomas Laosmaa to General’s post in the Finnish Border Guard and appointed him as Head of Personnel Division of the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters for the period from 1 February 2025 to 31 December 2029. The President of the Republic also promoted Laosmaa to Brigadier General as from 1 February 2025.

Rear Admiral Tom Hanén has served in his current position as Head of the Personnel Division of the Border Guard Headquarters since 1 January 2020. Hanén has completed the General Staff Officer’s Degree and was promoted to Rear Admiral on 6 December 2024. Furthermore, Hanén is Doctor of Military Sciences. In addition to his post as Head of the Personnel Division, Hanén has previously worked as Commander of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District, Head of the Advanced Studies Department of the Border and Coast Guard Academy, Head of the Maritime Search and Rescue Unit of the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters, as well as Border Security Specialist at the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU.

Colonel Tuomas Laosmaa has served in his current position as Commander of the Kainuu Border Guard District since 1 December 2022. Laosmaa has completed the General Staff Officer’s Degree and was promoted to Colonel on 21 March 2020. Previously, Laosmaa has been, inter alia, Head of the Border and Coast Guard Division’s Border Control Unit of the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters, Deputy Chief of the Border and Coast Guard Academy, as well as Head of the Technical Division’s IT Unit.

Moreover, the President of the Republic promoted the following persons as from 1 February 2025:

to Major General, Brigadier General Jari Heikki Tolppanen

to Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel Juha Tapio Kivelä

For further information, please contact: Head of the Legal Division of the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters, Sanna Palo, 0295421601.

]]>

Police: Anchor allegedly involved in cable ruptures on Christmas day recovered in Gulf of Finland

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:30:00 GMT

The investigation into the cable rupture in the Gulf of Finland has progressed over the weekend. Yesterday afternoon, 06 January, an anchor suspected by the police to belong to the tanker Eagle S was retrieved from the Gulf of Finland.

– The location where the anchor was found is along the Eagle S’s route, at the level of the Porkkala Peninsula. The anchor was located towards the western end of the drag trace found on the seabed, near the point where the trace ends, explains Detective Superintendent Risto Lohi of the NBI.

The authorities located the anchor in a joint operation during the night between Sunday and Monday 06 January, and after that preparations for its recovery began. The anchor was raised to the surface after 17:00 yesterday.

– We are pleased that the anchor was found. It will contribute to the progress of the criminal investigation, and it is now subjected to forensic analysis, says Lohi.

The hauling operation in the Gulf of Finland was carried out in cooperation with the authorities. The police and the Border Guard were assisted by both the Defence Forces and the Swedish Navy in connection with the underwater diving and hoisting operation.

– The cooperation between the authorities in the investigation into the case has been excellent, and this is a very good starting point for continuing the criminal investigation," says Lohi.

The Helsinki Police Department is leading the operation in the Gulf of Finland, and the Border Guard Service and the Defence Forces are contributing to the carrying out of the operation. The NBI is in charge of conducting the criminal investigation.

The Police are responsible for communications of the cable rupture in the Gulf of Finland. The Border Guard provides mutual assistance to the Police.

Anchor allegedly involved in cable ruptures on Christmas day recovered in Gulf of Finland - Police

]]>

Police: Underwater investigations restarted in the Gulf of Finland

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:10:00 GMT

The National Bureau of Investigation continues investigative measures on board the tanker Eagle S, which is anchored in the inner anchorage of Svartbeck near the oil port of Kilpilahti in Porvoo. A crime scene investigation in underway, and the interviews of the staff continue today. Furthermore, seven staff members whose status in the criminal investigation is that of a suspect have been subjected to a travel ban.

– A travel ban is a less severe coercive measure limiting personal freedom than apprehension and arrest, and it is imposed to ensure that the criminal investigation is not compromised and that the parties can be reached during the investigation. However, further information is gathered as the investigation goes on, so it is possible that the number of those subjected to a travel ban will change, says Detective Chief Inspector Elina Katajamäki of the National Bureau of Investigation.

Besides the investigative measures on the tanker, the authorities have restarted their underwater investigations in the Gulf of Finland. The investigations are being carried out in the vicinity of the previously photographed dragging track.

The joint operation between the authorities in the Gulf of Finland is led by the Helsinki Police Department and supported by the Border Guard. The operation continues for as long as required by the investigation, however for several days.

]]>

The measures to prevent environmental pollution by Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District have ended

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 13:03:00 GMT

The tanker ship was able to correct its engine failure and has been able to resume its voyage this afternoon. The measures taken by the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District to prevent environmental pollution in accordance with the Rescue Act have ended and OPV Turva has returned to other duties.

]]>

The Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District is preparing to prevent environmental damage in the Gulf of Finland

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 08:15:00 GMT

The Coast Guard has been in contact with the vessel.

The M/T Jazz is a 183-meter long Panamanian-flagged vessel en route to Primorsk. According to the Coast Guard, the vessel is not carrying a cargo of oil.

The ship's own repairs are still ongoing. After drifting during the night, the ship has anchored south of Hanko. The Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District has decided to take measures in accordance with the Rescue Act to prevent environmental damage and has assigned a tugboat and patrol ship Turva to the area, whose task is to ensure that the ship does not drift again.

The Coast Guard will provide updates as the situation develops. According to the Coast Guard's assessment, the situation is not related to previous events in the Gulf of Finland, and seabed infrastructure was not at risk when the ship anchored.

]]>

Police: Eagle S tanker successfully transferred to Porvoo

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 14:57:00 GMT

The transfer of the tanker was completed as planned.

The transfer was made, because the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have seized the vessel. The new location is to secure investigative measures taken in the criminal investigation.

The Police are responsible for communications of the cable rupture in the Gulf of Finland. The Border Guard provides mutual assistance to the Police.

Eagle S tanker successfully transferred to Porvoo - Police

The police transfer tanker Eagle S to Kilpilahti on Saturday - Police

Gulf of Finland cable rupture: Investigation of the seabed underway - Police

Police investigating incidents in the Gulf of Finland in cooperation with other authorities - Police

]]>

Police: The police transfer tanker Eagle S to Kilpilahti

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 09:03:00 GMT

The Helsinki Police Department leads the operation, with the Border Guard supporting the police in ensuring the operation is carried out safely. The Border Guard will secure the operation with a patrol vessel and several patrol boat units.

The reason for the transfer is that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has seized Eagle S. From the point of view of the police, the new location offers a better option for carrying out investigative measures.

Under the Police Act, the police have set up a one-nautical-mile exclusion zone around the tanker to ensure operational safety of the authorities. A no-fly zone is currently in effect around Sköldvik Bay.

The Police are responsible for communications of the cable rupture in the Gulf of Finland. The Border Guard provides mutual assistance to the Police.

The police transfer tanker Eagle S to Kilpilahti on Saturday - Police

Gulf of Finland cable rupture: Investigation of the seabed underway - Police

Police investigating incidents in the Gulf of Finland in cooperation with other authorities - Police

]]>

Police: Gulf of Finland cable rupture: Investigation of the seabed underway

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:58:00 GMT

The criminal investigation and other investigative measures in the maritime area are still ongoing.

The Border Guard is supporting the police in the investigation of the seabed.

– The Border Guard is supporting the police with equipment and personnel suitable for maritime operations. Current circumstances allow for full-scale operations in the Gulf of Finland, says Deputy Commander of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard Mikko Hirvi.

The Police are responsible for communications of the cable rupture in the Gulf of Finland. The Border Guard provides mutual assistance to the Police.

Gulf of Finland cable rupture: Investigation of the seabed underway - Police

Police investigating incidents in the Gulf of Finland in cooperation with other authorities - Police

]]>

Estlink 2 electricity transmission cable damaged in the Baltic Sea on 25 Dec 2024

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:10:00 GMT

At present, the freighter flagged to the Cook Islands, Eagle S, is suspected to be involved in the incidents and carrying fuel as cargo. The vessel is under the control of the Finnish authorities southeast of the Porkkala cape.

The Border Guard provides mutual assistance to the Police in carrying out a technical investigation of the scene. The National Bureau of Investigation will provide information on the progress of the investigation.

The police have issued press releases on the matter, of which the latest: Police investigating incidents in the Gulf of Finland in cooperation with other authorities.

]]>

Finland’s BSRBCC chairmanship came to its end

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 09:23:00 GMT

Alongside the Finnish Border Guard, authorities from Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Estonia participate in the BSRBCC cooperation. The goal of Finland's chairmanship was to further strengthen the operational cooperation among border and coast guard authorities in the Baltic Sea region.

Events during the chairmanship

During the chairmanship, the Finnish Border Guard organised 12 seminars and three training events. Additionally, four joint operational weeks focusing on maritime area surveillance were conducted across the Baltic Sea. During the chairmanship, a joint risk analysis for the Baltic Sea region was produced, international courses on air and maritime search and rescue operations were arranged, EU cruise ship border checks were examined, and the latest trends and phenomena in travel document examination were explored.

The seminars held during the chairmanship included:

1st BSRBCC Secretariat meeting
1st Baltic Border Committee (BBC) experts meeting
1st Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) Seminar
1st Cruise Ship Meeting
The Baltic Sea Border Control Cooperation Underwater Seminar 2024
Seminar of the BSRBCC Document experts
Aviation Experts Meeting
2nd BSRBCC Secretariat meeting
2nd Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) Seminar
2nd Baltic Border Committee (BBC) experts meeting
2nd Cruise Ship Meeting
BSRBCC Heads Conference

Joint risk analysis for the Baltic Sea region

The annual BSRBCC risk analysis is based on observations made during four Joint Action Weeks (JAW). During its chairmanship, Finland renewed the format of these weeks by assigning a preselected, collaboratively chosen theme related to coast guard operations for each week. Each member state observed and monitored these chosen themes during the Joint Action Weeks, as well as reported on their activities associated with them.

The findings were discussed during the Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) seminar, where representatives of all member states and Frontex provided comments on the ATA risk analysis draft and shared insights on current threats. The ATA risk analysis was completed collaboratively during autumn 2024. Based on the seminars, reporting and written comments from member states, it is evident that BSRBCC member countries share a unified view of the security situation in the Baltic Sea region.

BSRBCC cooperation remains strong

Member states’ active participation in the events during Finland’s BSRBCC chairmanship demonstrates that cooperation among Baltic Sea countries remains strong. Finland’s chairmanship culminated in November with a high-level meeting in Helsinki, where Finland’s achievements during its term were presented, and the development of BSRBCC cooperation was discussed.
The high-level meeting exemplified the Baltic Sea countries’ commitment to deepening and further strengthening their established collaboration. Close cooperation among member states is vital in order to effectively respond to changes in the Baltic Sea region. To comprehensively address identified threats, the BSRBCC should focus not only on maritime borders but also on challenges related to land border surveillance.

Estonia takes over BSRBCC chairmanship in 2025

At the conclusion of the high-level meeting, the BSRBCC chairmanship was handed over to Estonia, which will lead the cooperation of authorities in the Baltic Sea region in 2025. Estonia’s preliminary chairmanship plan includes, inter alia, a Cruise Ship Meeting, a Green Border Experts Meeting, an Underwater Seminar, a Customs and Cargo Ships Experts Meeting, a Seminar of the BSRBCC Document experts , and a Counter UAS Experts Meeting.

External funding supporting Finland's BSRBCC chairmanship

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has granted €135,000 in funding to the Finnish Border Guard for the implementation of the project Development of Baltic Sea Region Coast Guard Cooperation. The project, funded through the Baltic, Barents, and Arctic Area Financing (IBA) from January 2024 to February 2025, aims to support Finland's actions during the BSRBCC chairmanship. Additionally, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, participated in Finland's BSRBCC chairmanship by financially supporting events organised under the leadership of the Finnish Border Guard. Frontex also contributes by providing high-quality expertise to the events of Finland’s BSRBCC chairmanship.

Chief of the Finnish Border Guard, Pasi Kostamovaara, handed over the BSRBCC chairmanship to Estonia. Estonia’s Deputy Director general of Police and Border Guard, Veiko Kommusaar, accepted the chairmanship.

]]>