Background and facts
The border closure, Finland’s policies and the future of neighbourly relations. How did we get here?
Discussion event · Lappeenranta
Three years of
closed border
– what is next?
The border affects people, families and the future of the whole region. It is time to meet, listen and discuss ways forward.
Open to everyone · Advance registration required
The event is held in Finnish.
A SHARED BORDER. A SHARED FUTURE.
01 / Why we are gathering
Space for dialogue.
Perspectives on the future.
People and regional vitality
Families’ experiences, the business situation and impacts on everyday life in the region. What does a closed border mean in practice?
Ways forward
Different perspectives and discussion of concrete options. What connections and solutions might the future bring?
02 / Programme
From facts to experiences.
From experiences to dialogue.
03 / The speakers
Speakers and their backgrounds
ID
Ivan Deviatkin
Border activist
Ivan Deviatkin is a Doctor of Science in Technology, border activist and political campaigner based in Lappeenranta. He has organised meetings and car rallies calling for the eastern border to reopen and led efforts to challenge its closure in a Finnish court. His civic work focuses on the effects of the closure, family connections and restoring opportunities to cross the border.
JV
Jauri Varvikko
Chair of Naapuriseura ry
Jauri Varvikko holds a Master of Political Science degree and is a publisher and chair of Naapuriseura ry. He studied international politics in Moscow and has worked in Finnish–Russian cooperation, consulting and publishing. He is also editor-in-chief of Tanotorvi.
JS
Jussi Särkelä
Chair of Suomen Uusi Strategia SUS ry
Jussi Särkelä is a non-fiction author and chair of Suomen Uusi Strategia SUS ry. He has written about social issues, including the background to school killings, and has been involved in civic organisations and debate on Finland’s foreign and security policy.
Different perspectives, one conversation
Who have we invited?
Organiser Ivan Deviatkin has invited members of Parliament, the Finnish Border Guard and every member of Lappeenranta City Council. The aim is to bring different perspectives together on the effects of the closure and life with a closed border. Not all invitations have resulted in participation.
Status on 22 October 2026 · Invitations and replies reported by the organiser
Finnish Border Guard
Declined · reconsideration requested
The Border Guard declined on 16 October 2026, explaining that the closure is a political decision made by the Government and that its role is to implement decisions taken by the state leadership. Ivan asked it to reconsider, proposed discussing cross-border cooperation and its official duties, and referred to a Border Guard representative’s participation in an eastern-border event in Joensuu on 5 February 2026. The Border Guard maintained its position, saying it could reconsider similar events if circumstances change.
Jukka Kopra
Unable to attend
The panel invitation was sent on 13 October 2026. His assistant replied that Kopra could not attend because of conflicting commitments.
Hanna Holopainen
No reply as of 22 October 2026
The MP has been invited to the panel. The organiser has not received a reply as of 22 October 2026.
Jani Mäkelä
No reply as of 22 October 2026
The MP has been invited to the panel. The organiser has not received a reply as of 22 October 2026.
Lappeenranta City Council
All councillors invited
An invitation to join the panel has been sent to every city councillor, seeking different local perspectives on everyday life and the region’s future.
An active Facebook commenter
Declined
An active Facebook commenter on the border closure was also invited to the panel. He declined for reasons relating to his work duties, clarifying that there was no direct prohibition on participation.
The invitation to discuss remains open
Perspectives supporting the border closure are also welcome. The discussion concerns its effects on people and the region and how to live and move forward in these circumstances. Please contact the organiser about participating.
Contact the organiser ↗04 / Join us
Join the conversation.
Come and hear personal experiences, ask questions and explore the future of the eastern border together.
Only 72 seats
The event is open to everyone interested. Due to high interest, advance registration is required. Heikki-sali has 72 seats: the hall’s permitted occupancy is limited by safety requirements. Those registering to attend in person will receive a separate confirmation. You can also register to watch the livestream.
Register for the event ↗WhenSaturday 14 November 2026
12:00–15:00
12:00–15:00
WhereLappeenranta Main Library
Heikki-sali
Heikki-sali
Valtakatu 47, 53100 Lappeenranta
OnlineYou will receive the livestream link after registration