Since February, the Koidula and Luhamaa road border crossing points in southeastern Estonia have been shut overnight, operating only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The government decided to extend the rule until August 31. 

The measure was introduced earlier this year after repeated breaches of the Estonian border by Russia.

Additionally, the hours at the Narva-1 pedestrian border crossing point in the border city, Narva, will now be reduced from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from June 15.

Interior Minister Igor Taro (Eesti 200) said the decision made three months ago was appropriate and deserves to continue.

"Over the past three months, the Russian side has not shown goodwill through its behavior, and therefore, we do not consider easing the border regime possible. Border crossers have adapted, and we can now deploy our workforce much more effectively where it is needed more — to protect the state border," he said, in a statement.

"A 12-hour operating schedule at all border crossing points, including in Narva going forward, allows manpower resources to be planned more logically. This also concerns Tax and Customs Board employees," Taro said.

The minister said decisions concerning the border regions are not made rashly

Taro added that the eastern border and developments in the region are important for Estonia, and the state does not make decisions concerning them rashly.

Since the restrictions were introduced, the number of border crossings at Luhamaa has decreased by nearly 20 percent, while at Koidula it has increased by 6 percent, the government said.

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