The installation work began last month at a total cost of €3.1 million ($3.6 million).
The new security measures were agreed upon after Russia allowed approximately 30 people to exit the country and attempt to enter the EU without proper documentation in Narva in December 2023. Similar incidents occurred simultaneously at the Finnish-Russian border. Officials linked these events to the migration crisis at Belarus’ borders with Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, which is supported by Minsk and Moscow.
“We can never completely rule out a migration-front situation at our borders. In such cases, physical infrastructure definitely helps us respond quickly to migration attacks and prevent illegal border crossings,” said Peter Maran, head of the Southeast Border Checkpoint.
Over the years, there have been instances of individuals attempting to cross the border illegally, bypassing controls. Recently, in Luhamaa, an intoxicated Latvian driver on a three-wheeled Muravei moped tried to speed through the new checkpoint to enter Russia without stopping.
According to Maran, the new gates allow a checkpoint to be closed in about three seconds. He noted that all possible scenarios have been considered, including situations where an officer might end up on the Russian side of the gates. In such cases, the gates can be opened remotely to ensure personnel are not left in “hostile territory.”
Estonia-Russia border
Last month, gates were also installed on the Narva bridge connecting Estonia and Russia.
Although the conservative Isamaa party proposed a bill on Jan. 13 to mandate the government to close the border with Russia, Estonia’s Ministry of the Interior stated in June that there was no need to close the border. The ministry allowed for the temporary closure of the Narva checkpoint in case of large queues or worsening crossing conditions.
On July 6, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Russia could attack Estonia within five to seven years if NATO countries do not increase defense investments.
Estonia plans to secure up to €3.6 billion ($4.2 billion) in loans to fund defense spending with the support of the European Commission, ERR reported on Aug. 9.