The sovereignty of a state includes its territorial integrity. Finland’s territorial integrity is monitored without interruption. If necessary, territorial integrity shall be safeguarded by force. On land, operations are referred to as land surveillance, while in sea areas it is referred to as maritime surveillance, and in airspace it is called air surveillance.

The regional surveillance authorities include the military, the border guard, the police, and the customs authorities, as well as the Transport and Communications Agency. The Ministry of Defence directs and coordinates the activities of the regional surveillance authorities. The Ministry of Defence also decides on the use of military force to safeguard territorial integrity and steers the regional supervisory authorities of the Defence Forces. The pre-trial investigation of suspected area violations is conducted by the Border guard.

Finland’s NATO membership makes it necessary to examine whether the Act on regional surveillance needs to be amended. According to the Government Programme, the Government will assess the needs and initiate any necessary preparations.