Tensions Mount at Bulgaria-Greece Border over Farmers Blockade

Tensions at Kulata cross border point between Bulgaria and Greece are mounting and 200 truck drivers are getting angrier over the long wait caused by the Greek farmers blockade. Photo by BGNES

The protesting Greek farmers continued Saturday the blockade at cross border points between Bulgaria and Greece, despite earlier promises they will be lifted during the weekend.

At 5 pm, Kulata-Promahon closed for all traffic, including tractor-trailers, cars and buses. Earlier during the day only cars and buses were let through. A line of 200 tractor-trailers is reported at the cross border point Saturday evening.

The other 3 crossing points are open for the time being. The Ilinden-Eksohi one was also closed for all traffic during the day, Capitan Petko Voyvoda-Ormenion was closed until noon.

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

On 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.

The Bulgarian TV channel bTV reports that tensions at Kulata are mounting and drivers are angry over the long wait. Hundreds of them left for the Greek border upon hearing it will be open during the weekend only to remain stranded there for 48 hours now.

In Greece, where the losses from the blockade are estimated at EUR 0,5 B, the resentment against the demonstrating farmers is also said to be growing.

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