Parliament approves border law amendment to shield hybrid attack

The parliament on Thursday approved amendment to the border act with the provision for limiting or completely shutting down border entry points in exceptional circumstances, said an official press release.

The move has been taken with the view to protect the country from possible hybrid attacks, particularly at eastern border with Russia.

The need for possible restricting on border crossings became important sensing asylum applications against the backdrop of the changed security situation following Russia's attack on Ukraine in February.

The bill on preparedness, while contested in terms of European Union asylum rules, was passed by a supermajority that allows parliament to fast-track laws.

The plan would also allow the government to decide to build fences or other barriers near Finnish borders and direct all asylum applications to one or several border crossings, such as an airport.

The interior ministry in March took the move to bring the amendment to the law.