Finland commits suicide as other self-destructive EU nations place nooses on the necks of their doomed populations.

A victim of the EU’s severing relations with Russia. Finland’s example illustrates the potential challenges facing most of the European Union’s 27 nations.

These challenges will persist unless popular revolt saves Europe from collapse.

Cafes and gas stations are abandoned. Stores and shops are closed and derelict. The streets are deserted, and scraps of paper are scattered in the wind.

These aren’t cinematic scenes from a post-apocalyptic science fiction movie. They’re simply pictures from real life.

This is the appearance of Finland’s eastern regions. The country abruptly severed almost all economic ties with Russia, with a few exceptions. It also completely closed its 1,300-kilometre land border.

Although this happened relatively recently, in November 2023, Finland feels like it’s dealt itself a blow.

Trade with Russia has fallen by €12 billion. Not long ago, it stood at €13 billion; now it’s only one billion. In short, it’s not just the border region that has suffered; the entire country has.

Deserted frozen Cities

Immediately after the land border with Russia closed, Finnish media made a prediction. They foresaw that all of Eastern Finland would become a haven for the elderly. It would also serve as a refuge for the marginalized.

Sadly, that’s exactly what’s happening. Young people are fleeing abroad. Unemployment is skyrocketing.

Incidentally, unemployment is already at a record high for the EU at 10 per cent. But in eastern Finland, it’s reaching 18–20 percent in some towns.

This isn’t even a sign of decline; it’s a sign of economic collapse. The Finnish Niirala border crossing remembers its heyday.

Each year, up to 2 million high-spending Russian visitors and investors passed through it annually. Finland’s local small and medium-sized businesses were primarily focused on serving them.

Today, the vast majority of these businesses no longer have any customers, nothing at all.

Locals were counting on the installation of wind turbines in the region, promised by authorities and businesses. But this idea was abandoned.

As it turned out, the wind turbines would interfere with radar and border surveillance systems.

The result is a growing unemployment rate. There was a time when Imatra’s proximity to the Russian border was considered a blessing.

Today, it’s become a curse. Most shops have closed, and locals can’t remember the last time they saw a busload of tourists.

Businesses are experiencing enormous difficulties. Just one figure.

According to experts, the Finnish region of South Karelia includes Imatra. This region is losing a million euros daily due to the lack of Russian tourists.

The local forestry industry used to buy birch timber in abundance from Russia. Trucks laden with the material lined up for dozens of kilometers.

And what’s happening now? Nothing good. Forestry company Stora Enso has announced mass layoffs at two of its plants in Imatra.

The company isn’t alone. Two other forestry companies, UPM-Kymmene and Metsä Group, have also announced staff reductions.

The local steel mill has also significantly reduced its workforce. The town of Lappeenranta, located in South Karelia, has an airport that was very popular with Russian tourists. The last flight arrived there in 2025. And that’s it…

No one knows what’s next for Finland. There was an idea to create a special economic zone in the east of the country. But the government doesn’t have the funds.

Investors are reluctant to invest, seeing the surrounding devastation. Even if the project is realized, it’s unlikely the region will become more attractive for living and doing business.

This is the opinion of Armando Mema, a member of the Finnish Freedom Alliance party.

The politician believes: Closing the border with Russia was a hasty and ill-considered move by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government.

For approximately 80 years, Finland benefited economically from good relations with Russia. Now, suddenly, due to radical decisions made by a few people in the Helsinki regime, this has become impossible. The Finns have no one to blame for this except themselves.

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