Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen Plans to Reinstate Internal Border Checks

Finnish interior minister Mari Rantanen said she has begun preparations to restore internal border checks within the Schengen area, stressing that Finland's security must be guaranteed. She stated, “Olen aloittanut valmistelun sisärajatarkastusten palauttamiseksi.”

The announcement comes after tens of thousands of migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta illegally; Spain later reported that about 48,000 migrants were sent back to Morocco. Rantanen added, “Espanjan ulkoraja on myös meidän ulkorajamme,” and criticised the failure to prevent the incursion.

Rantanen voiced support for Italy’s proposal to suspend Schengen cooperation with Spain, arguing that “countries that do not fulfill their duty to protect external borders cannot remain Schengen members.” Italy subsequently announced it would suspend Schengen cooperation with Spain.