Finland Tightens Borders Amid Migration Crisis

Finland's parliament has passed a law empowering border guards to block asylum seekers entering from Russia. The law comes after accusations that Russia is weaponizing migration in retaliation for Finland joining NATO. The move aims to secure the EU border, despite conflicting with international human rights commitments.

Finland's parliament passed a law on Friday granting border guards the authority to block asylum seekers crossing from Russia. Over 1,300 people recently arrived in Finland, prompting Helsinki to close its border. The Finnish government has accused Russia of weaponizing migration by encouraging scores of migrants from countries like Syria and Somalia to cross the border, a charge the Kremlin denies.

Helsinki believes the crossings are Moscow's retaliation for Finland joining NATO, which supports Ukraine against Russia's invasion. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's right-wing government asserts that the bill is essential to prevent future arrivals, even though it conflicts with international human rights commitments. 'This is a strong message to Russia, a strong message to our allies, that Finland takes care of its own security, we take care of the security of the EU border,' Orpo said at a press conference following the vote.

No new arrivals by asylum seekers have occurred since March, as Finland shut its land borders with Russia late last year. The move follows similar actions by other European countries, like Poland and Lithuania, to make border crossings from Russia and its ally Belarus more difficult.

The bill passed with 167 votes in favor, 31 against, and one abstention, needing a two-thirds majority in the 200-seat parliament to succeed.