Despite implementing stricter border controls, Estonia continues to witness breaches.
Estonia has recorded approximately 600 breaches of regulations since it instituted comprehensive customs control at its eastern EU border with Russia a month ago. Approximately two-thirds of these infractions were identified at the Narva border crossing, where over 1,500 individuals cross daily, as per Ursula Riimaa, the deputy head of Estonia's tax and customs board, in an Estonian news broadcast.
The number of detected violations has actually decreased, going from an average of 22 to 18 daily breaches. However, the situation is still concerning.
"We still witness on a daily basis the transportation of goods that are in high demand on the other side," said Riimaa. A significant challenge in Narva continues to be the attempted export of cash. Moreover, large volumes of automotive and machine spare parts, drone components, and radio communication device components are also being smuggled across the border. Furthermore, goods with dual-use capabilities, which can be utilized both civilly and militarily, are also being transported, she added.
Estonia enacted stricter checks at the Narva, Koidula, and Luhamaa road and rail border crossings on August 8. This change was implemented to hinder the transportation and transit of goods subject to EU sanctions through Estonia.
The Commission is monitoring the situation closely to ensure compliance with EU sanctions. The actions of The Commission are crucial in preventing the illegal export of goods through Estonia.
