Finland shares a lengthy 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, and in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, it has taken a significant step by joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) to enhance its national security.
In a proactive move, the Finnish government has proposed a new law aimed at restricting property purchases by most Russian citizens. This initiative, backed by Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security. By limiting property acquisitions, Finland seeks to address escalating concerns about potential threats from foreign entities.
The proposed legislation has far-reaching implications; if enacted, it would bar Russians who are permanent residents anywhere in the European Union, as well as dual citizens holding Russian nationality, from purchasing property in Finland. The bill is still awaiting parliamentary approval but will undergo several expert consultations before finalization.
Currently, Finland has existing laws that permit government intervention in property transactions deemed risky for national security, but this full-scale ban would be unprecedented. Recently, Helsinki has already implemented measures to prevent Russian ownership of properties in critical areas of the city.
Over the past few years, Finland has seen a rise in questionable Russian-owned real estate transactions. Many of these include loss-making hotels, properties equipped with helipads, or those featuring excessive fortifications near vital Finnish infrastructure. Increased scrutiny has been placed on such properties, as authorities express worries of their use in actions potentially harmful to national security.
Finland’s Technological Contributions to NATO
Finland officially joined NATO in April 2023, primarily in response to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This marked a significant shift in Finland’s defense policy, as the nation had long maintained that a standalone defense approach was preferable.
At the end of August, Finland disclosed its plans to coordinate troop deployments with other NATO countries in the Finnish Lapland, reinforcing its commitment to collective security.
Relations between Finland and Russia have soured, particularly after Finland accused Russia of weaponizing migration, encouraging migrants to cross into Finland and creating additional strain on its border facilities.
During last year’s informal NATO Defence Ministers meeting at the Vilnius Summit, Hakkanen emphasized the critical need to protect Finland’s extensive border with Russia. He noted, “The war in Ukraine has illuminated the vital role of the defense industry within NATO’s strategy for deterrence and defense.”
He underscored Finland’s comprehensive actions at national, regional, and EU levels to address decades of underinvestment in defense. Finland brings valuable expertise to NATO, particularly in dual-use technologies and innovations that could enhance future capabilities, such as quantum computing and 6G communication technologies.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Euronews
