Bulgaria Informs EC about Losses from Greek Farmers Blockade

For 20 days now, truck drivers at Kulata cross border point between Bulgaria and Greece have to wait long hours over the Greek farmers blockade. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria submitted to the European Commission information about the losses for the country’s economy from the continuous border blockade by protesting Greek farmers.

The information was announced officially by the Foreign Affairs Ministry Saturday.

The report lists losses from bi-lateral trade, traffic between the two countries, and in sectors of the Bulgarian economy – farming, tourism, and textile industry.

The data analysis shows that about 40% of the goods that are seasonally imported to Greece have been affected by the blockade. The Greek export of oranges and tangerines to Bulgaria also endured significant losses.

Bus transportation between the two countries has suffered cancelations and delays along with the annulment of two trains on the Sofia – Thessaloniki line.

In January only, the number of Greek tourists visiting Bulgaria’s winter resorts has been down 5%.

110 Bulgarian businesses in the industrial, agriculture, tourism and services sectors have reported losses.

Saturday was the last day when Bulgarian companies could inform about damages from the blockade.

Meanwhile, the Bulgarian border authorities announced that the border crossing point at Kulata – Promahon between Bulgaria and Greece has been opened at 4:30 pm for all traffic.

The authorities still warn all drivers to not use the Kulata checkpoint since it is not clear when the blockade will be renewed.

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