Greek farmers block Kulata-Promachonas crossing between Bulgaria and Greece

Shortly after 2:00 p.m today, Greek farmers from the Serres region, who refused to hold negotiations with the government in Athens, once again blocked the Kulata–Promachonas border crossing between Bulgaria and Greece.

Greek farmers plan blockade of Promachonas-Kulata border crossing

For an indefinite period, they will not allow heavy goods vehicles to pass in either direction, but due to the subzero temperatures, passenger cars will be allowed to cross without problems.

Buses carrying Greek riot police units have also arrived at the border.

“This is a loss for us - you spend the whole day on the road, your working day is basically over, and that’s it. The next day you set off again, and again you don’t know how far you’ll get, and it’s very, very hard. Everyone is chasing delivery deadlines; most of us are transporting food products.

The detour routes we take are narrow roads, risky roads. It’s like some kind of hell. And to close it for such a long time… fine, close it for an hour or two or three so they can be heard, and then let traffic through" say truck drivers.

They added that they are prepared for a prolonged blockade but will, for the time being, allow passenger cars to pass.

At any moment, the passage of trucks at other border crossings between Greece and Bulgaria is also expected to be suspended.

Agricultural producers and farmers from Southwestern Bulgaria are also preparing protests over the European Commission’s agreement with the Mercosur economic bloc and are considering blocking Kulata as well.

Many transport companies told the Bulgarian National Radio that they would support them. They insist that the Bulgarian authorities ensure an alternative corridor to Europe via Albania through appropriate customs agreements.

Report of Kati Trencheva, BNR correspondent in Blagoevgrad
English version: R. Petkova