Baltic States – CIS, Estonia, Financial Services, Legislation, Transport

Finance Minister Maris Lauri said that the money was allocated because the border checkpoint is an important security object and it makes it easier to cross the border, as well as improves the border checkpoint staff's working conditions.

"This investment will help reduce crime, makes border crossing more comfortable," Lauri said, adding that it also takes into account Russia's plans to begin construction of a pedestrian bridge in July.

Lauri said that the investment was more expensive than originally planned, because the project was initiated in 2010, when the price was lower; designing stage arrived in 2013 and procurements in 2014. In addition, it turned out, for example, that it was necessary to carry out archaeological excavations. The total project cost is more than EUR 10 million.