Extending Finland’s Border Security Law Threatens Democracy

Finland’s government wants to extend the country’s border security law through the end of 2028. The proposal has renewed concerns that a measure introduced as a short-term exception could become a lasting shift of power away from Parliament.

The law, enacted in 2024, interferes with asylum seekers’ legal protections and conflicts with international human rights norms, according to the article. It was originally intended to remain in force for one year, then received a further 18-month extension last summer.

The law has not yet been applied. Its use would require a separate decision by the government, which could restrict the reception of applications for international protection for no more than one month at a time. The article notes that this restriction could nevertheless be renewed month after month.

A further extension would also limit the room for the Parliament elected next spring. Even if lawmakers wanted to repeal the law, the process would take time and require approval from the president. The article warns that the measure’s second extension would stretch an emergency arrangement over several years.

Finland has used exceptional laws for almost a century to give the government powers that go beyond the Constitution. Since 1930, such laws have included Parliament’s post-review power, allowing it to immediately cancel decisions or regulations issued by the president or government under emergency authority. That safeguard was left out of the border security law, despite the chancellor of justice highlighting the need to strengthen Parliament’s role. The article calls for the safeguard to be restored and warns that broader restrictions on lawmakers’ access to classified information could further erode Finnish democracy.