Interior Ministry: It is currently impossible to reduce queues at Narva border checkpoint

Interior Minister Igor Taro responded to a parliamentary question from Member of Parliament Aleksei Jevgrafov, explaining that long queues at Narva border checkpoint are directly linked to Russia's war in Ukraine and enhanced customs controls. According to the minister, it is not possible to significantly accelerate border crossings in the current security situation.

Interior Minister Igor Taro (Estonian 200) stated that the long queues at Narva border checkpoint are closely connected to Russia's war in Ukraine and the resulting stricter customs control requirements. The response was given to Member of Parliament Aleksei Jevgrafov (Centre Party), who turned to the ministry with a question regarding improving the situation.

Taro explained that due to the security situation, border crossing procedures have become considerably more thorough. Enhanced controls are necessary to prevent violations of sanctions and to block the movement of dual-use goods to Russia that could support military operations in Ukraine.

According to the ministry's assessment, it is not possible in the current situation to reduce queues at the border checkpoint without taking security risks. Taro emphasized that Estonia is acting in accordance with the EU sanctions regime, which requires member states to conduct strict controls on all cargo traffic related to Russia.

Narva border checkpoint is one of the main land border crossing points between Estonia and Russia, and a significant volume of goods and passengers pass through it. Since February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, border controls across Europe have become significantly stricter.