The first contracts were signed six years ago, but construction began on a large scale only after the outbreak of war in Ukraine. “People understood what the land use agreement was all about,” military officials say.
How much is Finland paying to strengthen its borders?
Before concluding the contracts, the Finnish military identified key areas where fortifications should be built as soon as possible. The treaties were secret, as was information about the location of the forts. We only know that the land on which they are built is located in eastern Finland.
The fixed contract of the Finnish Army with the landowners was concluded for 20 years. After signing, the owner of the plot is entitled to a total amount of EUR 750 (almost PLN 3.5 thousand). In addition, PLN 4.8 thousand is paid for each hectare used to build fortifications. Euro (PLN 22,000). The final amount depends on the size of the plot.
Preparing for a potential crisis
The treaty gives the army the right to build fortifications, but “in such a way that they do not impair the normal use of the property”. Cutting of trees and shrubs is not excluded. Also, for 14 days a year, the Army and Border Security Force can conduct training on the leased land.
The landowners who signed the agreements were mainly concerned about cutting trees for military construction and the long duration of the agreement.
“Such agreements are needed to prepare for a possible crisis without declaring a state of emergency,” explained Sauli Hongisto, head of the readiness division of the Finnish Defense Forces.
200 km from the border with Russia
In September 2022, the Finnish border guard proposed to build a fence along the border with Russia. Construction started in February, and the test section, 3 km long and costing EUR 6 million (almost PLN 28 million), has already been built.
Finnish authorities want to check whether the fence can withstand winter frosts, snow loads or “throngs of people from the east”. A 200 km fence is planned mainly in the south-eastern part of the country.
Finland’s membership in NATO could be a reason for Moscow’s aggression.
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto has predicted that Helsinki will face difficulties on the border with Russia in the future. – We noticed that our border with Russia is surprisingly quiet. Maybe they moved their forces to Ukraine. There will undoubtedly be difficulties in the future, Niinisto said.
Finland’s membership in NATO could be a reason for Moscow’s aggression, he said.