site.btaBulgarian, Greek Transport Ministers in Phone Call over Border Traffic Disruption by Protesting Greek Farmers

Outgoing Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadjov talked on the telephone with Christos Dimas, the Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, about the ongoing blockades by Greek farmers at border crossings and major roads between Bulgaria and Greece, Karadjov's Ministry said on Tuesday.

Karadjov expressed Bulgaria's serious concern over the escalating protests, now in their fifth week, have caused truck tailbacks in Bulgaria, significant economic losses and severe disruption for Bulgarian hauliers. He emphasized that the blockades disrupt the free movement of goods and people within the European Union and leave hundreds of drivers waiting for hours in harsh winter conditions. The outgoing minister said that a solution must be found as soon as possible, as the prolonged blockades are severely impacting the transport sector and supply chains in the region.

For his part, Christos Dimas said Greece acknowledges the impact on neighbouring countries and is seeking a solution. He added that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is personally monitoring the situation and invited farmers' representatives to talks two weeks ago, with a response expected soon. Dimas said that the Greek government wants the issue to be resolved as soon as possible while maintaining good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

Karadjov asked Minister Dimas to communicate the Bulgarian government's position to the protesters' representatives and convey his desire to meet with them in person. The purpose of the meeting would be to discuss possible solutions that take into account the interests of all parties concerned, including Bulgarian, Greek and other foreign hauliers, and to ensure the predictability, safety and continuity of transport links between Bulgaria and Greece.

With protesters planning a 48-hour full border closure, Karadjov raised the need for temporary routes for heavy goods vehicles so as to limit economic damage and prevent serious disruption to international transport.

Due to strike action on Greek territory, there may be difficulties for passenger and heavy duty vehicles to pass through Bulgaria's border crossings with Greece, Bulgarian Border Police said on Tuesday morning.