Development of the Parikkala border crossing point
In the project, traffic safety on the road leading to the border crossing point identification systems were improved. The project, completed in June 2023, is part of the South-East Finland – Russia CBC program.
Background to the project
The Parikkala border control station (Parikkala-Syväoro) is a temporary border crossing point located in Parikkala on the eastern border of Finland. The station is currently not an international border crossing point, and can, therefore, only be used by Finnish and Russian citizens who have obtained prior authorisation. The border crossing point has been used particularly for the transport of goods, such as timber.
On the Russian side, the corresponding crossing point is located in Syväoro, Elisenvaara (Сювяоро in Russian). In 2019, a total of 24,000 border crossings were recorded at the Parikkala border crossing point. At the moment (August 2023), there is no traffic across the border at Parikkala.
Project costs and funding
The South-East Finland - Russia CBC 2014-2020 is a cross-border cooperation programme aimed at promoting the attractiveness of the region. The programme is funded by the European Union, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Finland.
The ENI CBC (European Neighbourhood Instrument, Cross Border Cooperation) grant funding agreement relating to the development of the Parikkala border crossing point was signed between the Managing Authority of the South-East Finland - Russia CBC programme and FTIA on 1 May 2019.
The budget for the development project was EUR 4.91 million, of which the grant covered EUR 3.93 million.
Objectives of the project
The development project for the Parikkala border crossing point improved traffic safety by constructing a new intersection from Highway 6 to the road leading to the crossing point. At the same time, the bridge over the railway near the new intersection was upgraded.
Other measures at the border crossing point included the renewal of the Customs’ vehicle identification system and radiation detection equipment for the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. The project did not directly affect the status or capacity of the temporary border crossing point.
The partners in the project were the FTIA, Customs, the ELY Centre for South-East Finland and the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority.
Progress of project
The grant funding agreement between the Managing Authority of the South-East Finland - Russia CBC programme and FTIA was signed on 1 May 2019. The project was completed in June 2023.
