Border security

Border control operations at the external borders of Finland are efficient and credible. The international operations of the Finnish Border Guard contribute to the safety and security of Finland and Europe.

The operations seek to reinforce border controls and improve the means to control extensive entry into the country. A modern system of barriers and monitoring will be built at Finland’s eastern border. The system will also boost territorial surveillance.

The Finnish Border Guard’s state of preparedness will remain high. Psychological resilience and the reliability of systems will be strengthened. The Finnish Border Guard’s mobility, safeguards, night capability, influencing capability, management system and situational awareness system will be developed. The personnel’s competence in multi-sectoral tasks will be boosted.

Infrastructure at border crossing points will be improved in compliance with EU requirements and traffic volume trends. Automated border control systems will be promoted. The safety of border crossing traffic will be ensured.

Crime prevention duties of the Finnish Border Guard will be developed, focusing on the prevention of serious offences in the organisation of illegal entry and human trafficking, as well as the investigation of maritime offences. The Finnish Border Guard’s uncovering activities in crime investigation will be developed and online crime prevention activities will be strengthened.

The authority’s powers will be adjusted to ensure efficient and effective operations in all security situations and the utilisation of new technology. Data acquisition and coercive measures will be developed to correspond to the security situation. The Finnish Border Guard will be provided with improved opportunities to support the intelligence authorities.

The Finnish Border Guard’s scope of action at internal borders will be developed. The Finnish Border Guard will preserve its ability to reintroduce internal border control.

The aviation efforts of the Finnish Border Guard will provide safe, efficient and flexible support for the operations in all circumstances, focusing on the Finnish Border Guard’s core duties. The aircraft fleet will be harmonised. Unmanned aircraft operations and related counteractivities will be developed.

The Finnish Border Guard has a vital role in ensuring the safety of people, property and the environment in sparsely populated areas and the archipelago, and action will be taken to ensure the high level of activity and visibility of the Finnish Border Guard in these areas.

The Finnish Border Guard will participate in all border security operations that are vital to stability in Europe. The Finnish Border Guard seeks to advocate the development and strengthening of the European border security legislation and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The Finnish Border Guard’s capability of receiving operative backup from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency will be further developed. Bilateral operative border security cooperation will be increased.