The Finnish Border Guard has announced that the Eastern border pilot project barrier has successfully been completed, with the authorities activating the nearly three-kilometre-long barrier in Pelkola.
The same has emphasised that continuous monitoring and analysis were carried out throughout the construction of the pilot fence and noted that the authorities will now be immediately informed about those who cross the border in the future.
Based on the experimental period of the operational use of the short barrier fence, the whole formed by the road, the fence, and the technical control is the modern era of border security.
The patrols in the pilot fence area have increased their mobility. New monitoring technology has also been implemented, enhancing the authorities’ ability to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation in the region.
As the Finnish Border Guard explains, the conclusions regarding the construction of the pilot fence include improving the fence network in the PRIO 1 phase to a denser configuration to prevent crossing and passing through the fence.
In addition, the cost level was approximately two-thirds of the budgeted amount, but only the extended use of the fence will reveal the final cost level.
Moreover, the project will help develop operational models for carrying out the necessary terrain measurements for the barrier fence and removing trees. At the same time, it enables the creation of operational models for consulting with landowners and making decisions about construction.
A barrier fence spanning about four kilometres is currently being constructed in Salla. This project also includes a pilot initiative to build a road across the marshes, utilising concrete pontoons and a gravel road constructed on a geogrid foundation. Initial findings suggest that both solutions are possible, but their long-term durability across various seasons will become apparent only with time.
Furthermore, in the upcoming phase (PRIO 1), the project aims to put a barrier fence spanning approximately 70 kilometres across 12 designated areas. The Southeast Finland Border Guard is responsible for 55 kilometres of this fence, with an additional eight kilometres under the jurisdiction of the North Karelia Border Guard, five kilometres in the care of the Kainuu Border Guard, and two kilometres overseen by the Lapland Border Guard.
The procurement process is currently in progress, and construction is scheduled to commence next winter, beginning with the most extended target areas in Southeastern Finland, including Vaalimaa, Vainikkala, Nuijamaa, and Imatra.
