The ownership of the Saimaa Canal is a complex matter that has evolved over time. To fully understand the current ownership situation, it is necessary to delve into the history of the canal and the various agreements and treaties that have shaped its ownership.
The Saimaa Canal, located in southeastern Finland, is a vital waterway connecting the Lake Saimaa system to the Gulf of Finland. It was originally constructed in the late 19th century and has played a significant role in facilitating trade and transportation in the region.
However, the ownership of the canal has undergone several changes throughout history. In the aftermath of the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union in 1940, Finland was forced to cede the Karelian Isthmus and Vyborg to the Soviet Union as per the terms of the Moscow Peace Treaty. Consequently, control of the Saimaa Canal was divided, and traffic through the canal ceased.
Following the end of World War II and the signing of the Paris Peace Treaty in 1947, Finland and the Soviet Union entered into a new agreement regarding the Saimaa Canal. Under the treaty, Finland obtained a 50-year lease on the Soviet-controlled portion of the canal, along with Maly Vysotsky Island (Ravansaari), which is located at the mouth of the canal.
This lease agreement provided Finland with the right to operate and maintain the canal, ensuring its continued use for trade and transportation purposes. Additionally, Finland was granted the authority to collect tolls from vessels passing through the canal, which served as a source of revenue for the Finnish government.
The 50-year lease period came to an end in 2003, and negotiations between Finland and Russia ensued to determine the future ownership and operation of the canal. After several years of discussions, a new agreement was reached in 2010, extending Finland's lease for the canal for an additional 50 years until 2063.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Finland maintains control and responsibility for operating and maintaining the Saimaa Canal. The Finnish government continues to collect tolls from vessels using the canal, which helps fund the necessary infrastructure and maintenance work.
It is important to note that while Finland holds the lease for the Saimaa Canal, the canal itself is located within Finnish territory. This means that the canal remains under Finnish sovereignty, with Russia having no direct ownership or control over the waterway.
The Saimaa Canal is currently owned by Finland, with the Finnish government holding a 50-year lease on the canal and being responsible for its operation and maintenance. The canal plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and transportation in the region, and its ownership has evolved through various agreements and treaties over the years.