Finland to apply for EUR 50 million in funding from the Commission to strengthen surveillance at eastern border 

Finland is applying for additional funding for its programme under the EU Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (BMVI) to strengthen surveillance at the eastern border. Finland is seeking the maximum amount defined by the Commission, EUR 50 million. The Government decided to apply for funding on 26 September 2024.

The objective is to strengthen Finland's border surveillance in the changed security environment and respond to instrumentalised migration and hybrid threats posed by Russia. The measures aim to improve situation awareness and prevent illegal border crossings, extend the scope of technical surveillance and secure the mobility of patrols.

The funding applied for by Finland would be allocated for developing surveillance based on radio technology, for improving data transfer solutions of the border infrastructure, and for purchasing unmanned aircraft systems and patrol vehicles.

Finland's BMVI funding amounts to approximately EUR 81 million during the current funding period, which means that the additional funding applied for would be a rather significant increase to this. The Ministry of the Interior will submit the application to the European Commission in its capacity as the managing authority for the financial instrument in Finland.

The objective of the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy is to ensure a strong and effective European integrated border management at the Union's external borders, ensuring a high level of internal security within the Union while safeguarding the free movement of persons within it. Actions providing operating support for the implementation of the European integrated border management and of the common visa policy may be funded through the BMVI.

Inquiries:
Riika Väliahde, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 257, [email protected]