First of all, thank you very much for inviting me here to Lappeenranta, close to the Russian border. Today's visit to the border crossing point was very insightful for me. I have said it now many times – and I will say it again: We should all be more Finnish when it comes to security. We have a lot to learn from Finland and from the model of Finnish preparedness across all levels of society. It allows you to respond adequately to different types of crises. This is what makes a society truly resilient. I am therefore very glad that the former President Sauli Niinistö has agreed to share your knowledge with us, and to prepare a report on this topic that can help with our reflections in the European Union.
Since the hybrid attack launched by Belarus in November 2021 against Latvia, Poland and Lithuania, we all know how Putin and his allies instrumentalise migrants to test our defences and try to destabilise us. Now, Putin is focusing on Finland. This is no doubt in response to your firm support of Ukraine and your accession to NATO. Finland has acted decisively and successfully to counter this threat. This is not just about the security of Finland, but it is about the security of the European Union. We are in this together. In December, European Leaders condemned these hybrid attacks and expressed a clear determination to counter them. And this is why I am here today, to tell you that the European Union is there to support you in your efforts.
Let me highlight three points. First, the European Commission and Frontex are providing financial and operational support. For example, by deploying border guards and surveillance equipment at the eastern border and at Helsinki airport. In this financing period, Europe supports Finland with EUR 230 million. Second, we are continuously working and reaching out to the countries of origin of migrants, to make sure they can take all appropriate measures. This was very successful in 2022, when Belarus instrumentalised migrants to put pressure on Poland. We worked very successfully in returning migrants to their country of origin. Finally, we have also reinforced our European legal framework by introducing the concept of instrumentalisation of migrants for the first time. I know that you are looking at your own legal framework to ensure greater protection against this type of hybrid attacks. Finding the right balance between securing the external borders and ensuring the respect of our international obligations is essential. And I am confident that you are making every effort to ensure that this balance is achieved.
Now, on the economic situation at the eastern border: I also know that the war of aggression that Russia has waged against Ukraine has a negative impact on your border regions and their local communities. Finland has shown tremendous resilience. And here, I want to commend you for your unwavering support for Ukraine, and this despite the impact of the conflict on your jobs, your businesses, your families and your friends. So I want to emphasise that the European Union is here to help you. Revitalising these regions at Finland's eastern borders is a priority for the government, and we are supporting that. Finland is benefitting from an extra of EUR 61 million of funds that are reallocated from cross-border projects with Russia. We have also flexibilised the use of cohesion funds. This allows you to adjust to new priorities because of the changed circumstances, and I am glad to see that your government took up this opportunity. Our funding for renewable energy projects under NextGenerationEU will also go to projects in your eastern border regions to help to diversify the local economy. As a final remark, you are making good use of NextGenerationEU to support the tourism in this region. I can assure you that we will continue to monitor the situation, and work hand in hand with you to help the local communities adapt to these new circumstances.
