Finland has moved a step closer to approving the construction of a fence along parts of its border with Russia after Prime Minister Sanna Marin said she was convinced that there is wide support for it in parliament.
The Finnish Border Guard proposed a fence covering parts of the 1,340-kilometer border Finland shares with Russia -- the longest of any European Union member -- to help prevent large-scale illegal migration.
"It is a question of securing proper surveillance of Finland's [eastern] border in the future," Marin told reporters on October 18 before a meeting she convened with parliamentary groups to discuss the matter.
Marin wants to make sure the border fence, which would cost hundreds of millions of dollars, has broad political support, Finnish broadcaster YLE reported.
Based on a risk analysis by border officials, the fence would be up to 260 kilometers long in total and cover areas that have been identified as potential risks for large-scale migration from Russia.
The main parts of the fence would be erected in southeastern Finland, where most border traffic takes place, but some sections are likely be built around border stations in the north.
The construction of the fence would take up to four years, according to Finnish news agency STT.
Finnish media reported there is support for the project from parties in Marin's center-left coalition government and from parties in the opposition.
A pilot section of the fence running about 3 kilometers will be decided on soon and built quickly if approved amid a concern over an increase in illegal immigration stemming from Russia's war in Ukraine.
A decision on building the entire fence could be postponed, as Finland holds a general election in April 2023.