The construction of the Estonia-Russia border is currently proceeding according to plan. Work is being carried out both on land and on the Narva River. Already, 60 kilometers of border infrastructure have been completed on land. Work continues on another 26 kilometers, and in the spring, construction of an additional 20 kilometers will begin.
Border infrastructure is not being built in places where natural features, such as rivers and lakes, help protect the border. This is sensible, as infrastructure is not needed there. Initially, it was planned that the entire land border would be completed by the end of 2025. Today, it is known that this part will indeed be completed by the end of 2025. However, some areas are taking more time and will be completed by the end of 2027.
Additional border sections are in areas where land exchange with the Russian Federation was initially planned. Now, these areas are being closed with border infrastructure. There are two such areas, totaling 4.2 kilometers. Their completion is planned for the end of 2027.
The first section of the border on the Narva River was completed at the end of last year, where five new surveillance positions were built. Construction work is now underway on the second section, with plans to complete it by the first half of 2027. Nine new surveillance positions will be built there.
Border construction is being slowed down by the complex procurement process. Some sections have been completed faster than planned, while others are taking more time. In cooperation with partners, attempts are being made to speed up the process. The procurement process is time-consuming, as it involves defense and security sector procurement.
On the land border, natural conditions are taken into account. For example, pontoon bridges are used in swampy areas. The environment influences which surveillance solutions are suitable. The border budget is approximately 170 million euros, of which 90 million has already been spent. Funding from European Union funds is also being used for the project.
The eastern border is divided into two main parts: the southeast land border and the Narva River border. The entire border is treated as a comprehensive project.