All Truck Traffic Halted at Bulgaria Border over Greek Blockade

For 11 days protesting Greek farmers use tractors and other farming equipment to block traffic at the main border cross points between Bulgaria and Greece. Photo by BGNES

The protesting Greek farmers continue the blockade at cross border points between Bulgaria and Greece.

Kulata-Promahon is closed Thursday for all tractor-trailers, only cars and buses are passing thorough. The border cross point has been closed for trucks since 10 am. The blockade was lifted overnight and 800 trucks have passed through between 10 pm and the morning closure.

The farmers also blocked Wednesday night the railroad halting trains between Bucharest and Thessaloníki. The Bulgarian State Railroad company, BDZ, informs trains are traveling from Bucharest to Sofia only. All passengers, who bought tickets to Thessaloníki, will be reimbursed by BDZ

The cross point Ilinden-Eksohi is closed for all traffic until 5 pm Thursday. After that only cars and buses will be let through.

The Greek farmers also blocked the Capitan Petko Voyvoda-Ormenion crossing point. Automobiles and coaches will be let through after 3 pm, border authorities inform.

The only open border point is at Zlatograd, but the road there is not accessible for tractor-trailers.

The blockade is well in its 11th day. According to estimates, Bulgaria's businesses loose at least EUR 3 M a day over the continuing protests.

Earlier Thursday, Bulgaria's Economy and Energy Minister, Traicho Traikov, announced he had received assurances from Athens that Greece will bring an end to the problem by the weekend.