Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto has stated that it is no longer possible to deport asylum seekers who do not meet the criteria for protection. Speaking during a state visit to Poland, Niinisto emphasized that this reality should be taken into account when formulating policies. He called for a European Union-wide solution to address the issue of uncontrollable entry into the passport-free area.
Niinisto expressed his concerns about individual countries trying to handle the situation on their own. He argued that it was unrealistic for each nation to manage the consequences of the crisis, which could potentially erupt in neighboring countries soon after. Finland recently closed four crossing points on its border with Russia in an attempt to control the influx of asylum seekers, alleging that Moscow was behind the surge. The Kremlin, on the other hand, denied any involvement and accused Helsinki of adopting an anti-Russian stance.
As the situation becomes increasingly challenging, Niinisto’s remarks highlight the need for a collective approach within the European Union to effectively manage the influx of asylum seekers. The closure of border crossings and the inability to deport individuals who do not qualify for asylum underscore the urgency for a unified response to this complex issue.
