Norway is considering putting up a fence along its 198-kilometer border with Russia, following Finland’s lead in enhancing border security. Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl highlighted the benefits of a border fence, such as acting as a deterrent and utilizing sensors for monitoring. The Norwegian government is exploring various security measures for the Arctic border, including fencing, increasing border staff, and ramping up monitoring.
Inspired by Finland’s response to a surge in illegal border crossings, Norway is prepared to close its border with Russia if necessary. Finland recently closed its border with Russia and is constructing fences equipped with surveillance technology to combat unauthorized crossings. Enger Mehl and police chief Ellen Katrine Hætta support the idea of a fence along the Norway-Russia border to enhance security.
The Storskog border station, the sole official crossing point into Norway from Russia, is currently surrounded by a fence. Norway, a NATO member and part of the EU’s Schengen area, aims to protect its borders while maintaining free movement within the EU.
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