Finland’s National Archives has imposed restrictions on access to historical materials from Russia until the year 9999. The measures apply to a vast collection of documents spanning from 1500 to 1990 that were purchased from Russian agencies for more than €1 million under a bilateral cooperation program which concluded in 2022.
The restrictions are stricter than previously agreed terms. Paivi Happonen, Director General of the National Archives, explained that the organization has lost all official contacts with Moscow and now allows access to these unique archival collections only in person at reading rooms in Helsinki, citing the absence of secure remote connections for foreign or local specialists.
Meanwhile, Finland’s border regions are facing growing economic challenges. On August 29th, Jauri Varvikko, head of the Finnish public organization Naapuriseura, warned that areas adjacent to Russia could experience accelerated population outflow due to the country’s decision to close its border with Russia effective November 2023. He noted that unemployment in these regions is nearing 20 percent.
Additionally, on August 21st, Erkki Matilinen, project manager at the Finnish Border Guard headquarters, announced that construction of a barrier complex along the Russian-Finnish state border was nearly complete. The main section of the fence runs through southeastern Russia and includes a 140-kilometer stretch in South Karelia and Kymenlaakso regions. The facility is scheduled for handover in September.
