Bulgaria to Raise Issue of Continuing Greek Blockades at EU's General Affairs Council

Bulgaria in EU | February 16, 2016, Tuesday // 11:19|  views

Queue of trucks at Kulata border checkpoint. Photo: BGNES

Bulgaria will raise the issue of the continuing blockades at checkpoints along its border with Greece at the meeting of the EU's General Affairs Council in Brussels on Tuesday.

The agenda of the meeting foresees no decision to be adopted on the issue, but a discussion is possible.

Bulgaria will be represented at the meeting by its Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Meglena Kuneva.

Bulgarian authorities have repeatedly called on the European Commission to intervene and impose sanctions against Greece as the blockades staged by Greek farmers are violating founding principles of the EU such as the free movement of people and goods.

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

They have been staging blockades at checkpoints along the borders with neighbouring countries and on motorways and main roads in the interior of the country.

The European Commission is concerned about the continuing blockades at checkpoints along the Bulgarian-Greek border and is closely monitoring the latest developments.

Last week, it sent a letter to Greek government asking it to provide information on the measures Athens is taking in ensuring the free movement of goods across the border with Bulgaria.

As of Tuesday morning, the passage of trucks is suspended through the Kulata and Ilinden checkpoints, with cars allowed to pass. All three other crossings on the border with Greece are functioning normally.

The agenda of the meeting foresees finalising preparations for the forthcoming meeting of the European Council on Thursday and Friday, discussion of the reforms proposed by the UK and the migrant crisis.

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Tags: Bulgaria, greece, border, checkpoint, blockade, Kulata, Ilinden, farmers, protest, EU, general affairs council, European Commission, European Council

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