Blockades Expected to Intensify Along Bulgaria's Borders with Greece, Turkey

Blockades along Bulgaria's southern border with neighbouring Greece and Turkey are expected to intensify on Monday.

After protesting Greek farmers have staged blockades at checkpoints along the Bulgarian-Greek border in the past weeks, Bulgarian truck drivers are threatening to close the border with Turkey.

Bulgarian drivers are threatening to do this if the passage of trucks is not accelerated through the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint.

Drivers are insisting on increasing the working time of the customs office in Svilengrad from twelve to 24 hours.

At present, the customs office is working for twelve hours (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.), which slows downs the processing of documents and the passage of vehicles.

Blockades are also expected along the border with Greece as Greek farmers are intensifying blockades on checkpoints after two days of large-scale protests in Athens on Friday and Saturday.

Farmers in northern Greece announced they would close the road between Kardzhali and Komotini for 72 hours starting from midday on Monday, which will suspend the passage through the Makaza checkpoint.

Greek farmers have been protesting against proposed social security reforms which foresee increases in tax and pension contributions.

They have staged blockades at checkpoints on borders with neighoburing countries as well as on main motorways and roads in the interior of the country.

According to the latest information, there are blockades on Kulata and Ilinden checkpoints, while the Kapitan Petko Voyvoda and Zlatograd crossings are functioning normally.

The foreign ministry recommends to Bulgarian citizens to avoid places with mass public events such as protests and marches.

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