European Union official von der Leyen visits the Finland-Russia border to assess security situation

By JAN M. OLSEN
Associated Press

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The head of the European Union’s executive branch says that Finland’s decision to close its border crossings with Russia over a surge in migrants is a security matter for the whole 27-member bloc to consider. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the remarks during a trip to the frontier on Friday. She visited a part of the border in southeastern Finland. On April 4, Finland decided to extend the closure of its border crossing points with Russia “until further notice” because of what the government says is a high risk of organized migration being orchestrated by Moscow. Finland’s government has closed eight of its nine checkpoints with Russia.