Finland to reinstate border control at internal borders to ensure security of the European council
The Finnish Government decided on Thursday 5 October to reinstate border control at internal borders from 9 to 21 October 2006. The aim is to ensure the security of the informal meeting of the EU Heads of State or Government to be held in Lahti on 20 October. According to the information available, there is no specific threat to the meeting.
Checks at internal borders will be carried out on risk groups and persons on the basis of criminal intelligence as well as threat assessments and risk profiles made together by various authorities. Thus, all persons entering the country via internal borders will not be subject to border checks.
In practice, border control measures will be targeted at the main border crossing points, but they can also be carried out, for example at the land border between Finland and Sweden and Finland and Norway. Passengers are not required to carry any other travel documents than what is normally required.
In the European Union, border checks have been reinstated in fear of terrorist attacks and in attempt to ensure public order and security during major public events, such as football matches. Border checks have also been reinstated, almost without exception, in connection with EU summits. Finland reinstated border checks to ensure the security of the World Championship in Athletics in 2005 and the ASEM Summit in autumn 2006.
For further information, please contact Tomi Vuori, Chief of Legal Division of the Border Guard, tel. +358 20 410 6600