European Union official von der Leyen visits the Finland
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The head of the European Union’s executive branch said Friday that Finland’s decision to close its border crossings with Russia over a surge in migrants was a security matter for the whole 27-member bloc to consider.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the remarks during a trip to the frontier, visiting a part of the border located in southeastern Finland.
“We all know how (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and his allies instrumentalize migrants to test our defenses and to try to destabilize us,” von der Leyen said. “Now Putin is focusing on Finland, and this is no doubt in response to your firm support of Ukraine and your accession to NATO.”
On April 4, Finland decided to extend the closure of its border crossing points with Russia “until further notice” because of what the government says is a high risk of organized migration being orchestrated by Moscow. Finland’s government has closed eight of its nine checkpoints with Russia. The only one that remains open is dedicated to rail travel only, and cargo trains mainly run through it.
Related articles
OpenAI pauses ChatGPT voice after Scarlett Johansson comparisons
NEW YORK (AP) — OpenAI says it plans to halt the use of one of its ChatGPT voices after some users s2024-05-21Eflin allows 1 run in 7 innings as Rays beat White Sox 5
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Zach Eflin allowed one run and six hits in seven innings as the Tampa Ba2024-05-21Republicans preparing contempt charges against Attorney General Garland over Biden audio
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans plan to move forward next week with holding Attorney General Mer2024-05-21Türkiye's Istanbul welcomes 1st Chinese tourist group after pandemic
Chinese tourists are seen at the historical Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Aug. 17, 2022024-05-21Supreme Court rejects an appeal from a Canadian man once held at Guantanamo
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanam2024-05-21Marseille survive Villarreal fightback to go through
Olympique Marseille qualified for the quarterfinal of the Europa League despite suffering a 3-1 defe2024-05-21
atest comment