In response to hybrid warfare tactics by Moscow, the Finnish parliament has passed a new law allowing for the immediate return of migrants who cross the border illegally. This measure is intended to counter the influx of migrants orchestrated by Russia as part of its hybrid warfare strategy.
The temporary law on “instrumental immigration” will enable Finland to prevent asylum claims at or near its eastern border without the possibility of appeal. The legislation allows for pushbacks, effectively returning migrants without initiating asylum procedures. The new law aims to protect Finland from Russia’s hybrid activities, which Helsinki views as the Kremlin’s attempts to undermine the country’s national security through the instrumental use of migration.
“This is a strong signal to Russia and our allies that Finland cares about its own security and that of the European Union’s borders,” Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters in Helsinki.
Under the new law, which will be effective for one year, Finland may consider reopening some checkpoints along the longest EU and NATO border with Russia, but only when Finnish security officials deem it safe.
Russia has long utilized migrants to destabilize the situation at Finland’s border, as well as the borders of Baltic states and Poland.
Last fall, Finland faced a massive influx of migrants, with Russian authorities reportedly aiding their journey to the border. This compelled Finnish authorities to shut all land border control points. Although this operation halted the influx, Finland continues to see migration as a direct threat. Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated in June to Finnish broadcaster MTV that Russia could deploy over a thousand migrants to the border within a few hours.
