The Finnish Border Guard’s barrier project is on schedule and will strengthen Finland’s independent border security, the security institution notes in a release.

About 200 kilometers of fencing, part of the over 1,300-kilometer eastern border, is being built for completion by the end of 2026 to help counter organized or large-scale illegal entry.

Advanced surveillance technology, according to the border guard, will improve situational awareness and can be expanded in the future, enabling rapid responses.

The project remains within its tight schedule and €362 million budget despite challenging conditions.

Construction has reached halfway, with over 100 kilometers ready for use and almost 160 kilometers erected.

The National Land Survey of Finland has started determining compensation for about 1, 000 landowners to ensure fairness; initial payments have already been made.

All construction should finish by the end of summer except for minor finishing touches, after which compensation payments will continue.

Below is what the barrier between Finland and Russia looked like in Porkkala in 1953.

Old border barrier Porkkala border zone in 1953. Photograph: U. A. Saarinen