Estonia has completed the construction of a 40-kilometer fence along its southern border with Russia, as part of a larger project to upgrade its border security and surveillance systems. The fence, which is equipped with sensors and cameras, is meant to deter illegal crossings and potential provocations from Russia, amid rising tensions in the region.
Why Estonia is Fortifying its Border
Estonia is one of the Baltic states that border Russia, and has a large ethnic Russian minority. The country has been wary of Russia’s aggressive actions in neighboring Ukraine and Belarus, and has expressed solidarity with the pro-democracy movements there. Estonia is also a member of NATO and the European Union, and has been vocal in criticizing Russia’s human rights violations and cyberattacks.
Estonia’s Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that the goal of the border project is to create a high-tech border infrastructure that meets the standards of the EU’s external frontier. He said that the fence is not a sign of hostility, but a way to ensure the security and sovereignty of Estonia and the EU.
How the Border Project Works
The border project, which started in 2015, covers almost 340 kilometers of land and water border between Estonia and Russia. The project involves building a fence, installing surveillance cameras and sensors, deploying drones and radars, and improving the border checkpoints and roads. The project is expected to be fully completed by 2025, at a cost of about 79 million euros.
The fence, which is the most visible part of the project, is made of steel mesh and barbed wire, and stands at 2.5 meters high. It is designed to prevent illegal crossings by foot or by vehicle, and to alert the border guards of any suspicious activity. The fence also has signs in Estonian, Russian, and English, warning people not to cross the border without permission.
The surveillance systems, which include cameras, sensors, drones, and radars, are meant to monitor the border 24/7, and to detect any movement or anomalies. The systems are connected to a central command center, where the border guards can access the data and respond accordingly. The systems also use artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze the data and identify potential threats.
What are the Challenges and Benefits of the Border Project
The border project has faced some challenges, such as delays, technical issues, legal disputes, and environmental concerns. Some of the challenges are related to the terrain and weather conditions of the border area, which can be swampy, forested, or frozen. Some are related to the coordination and cooperation between different agencies and authorities, both within Estonia and with the EU. Some are related to the impact of the project on the local communities and wildlife, which may be affected by the construction and operation of the border infrastructure.
However, the border project also has some benefits, both for Estonia and for the EU. The project is expected to improve the security and stability of the region, and to deter any potential aggression or interference from Russia. The project is also expected to enhance the cooperation and integration of Estonia with its NATO and EU allies, and to demonstrate its commitment to the values and principles of the bloc. The project may also boost the economic and social development of the border area, by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and facilitating trade and tourism.
