Last week, it was announced that Finland will receive EUR 50 million from the EU Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument (BMVI) to increase border surveillance.
The funds are part of an extra allocation of EUR 170 million to strengthen border security and counter hybrid threats at the EU eastern border with Russia and Belarus.
“The additional funding granted to Finland is the result of successful preparation and consistent engagement with the European Commission. I have kept in close contact with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and have highlighted these immediate financing needs as well as the special needs of our eastern border regions over the longer term,” says Orpo.
Finland has now received about EUR 83 million through the BMVI during the current EU funding period, according to Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen (Finns Party).
“This EUR 50 million in additional funding is quite significant. It will be used to expand the coverage of technical surveillance, produce more timely situational awareness, and improve the mobility of patrols,” Rantanten elaborates.
More specifically, the EU supports upgrading electronic surveillance equipment, improving telecommunications networks, deploying mobile detection equipment or countering drone intrusions.