The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, Grozdan Karadzhov, held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of the Hellenic Republic, Christos Dimas, in connection with the continuing blockades by Greek farmers at border checkpoints and main road arteries between Bulgaria and Greece.
During the conversation, Minister Karadzhov expressed the serious concern of the Bulgarian side regarding the escalating protests, which have continued for more than a month and are leading to the formation of long queues of heavy goods vehicles on Bulgarian territory, significant economic losses, and serious difficulties for Bulgarian hauliers. He emphasised that the blockades not only violate the free movement of goods and people within the European Union but also leave hundreds of drivers waiting for hours in severe winter conditions.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that a solution to the situation must be found as soon as possible, as the prolonged blockades are having a severe impact on the transport sector and supply chains in the region.
For his part, Minister Dimas stated that the Greek side is well aware of the problems the current situation creates for neighbouring countries and is actively seeking a solution. He informed that the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is personally monitoring the situation and had extended an invitation for a meeting with representatives of the farmers two weeks ago, with their response expected very soon. According to Dimas, the Greek government's desire is for the issue to be resolved as soon as possible, while maintaining good neighbourly relations between the two countries.
During the conversation, Grozdan Karadzhov asked Minister Dimas to convey the concerns raised by the Bulgarian side to the representatives of the protesters, as well as to express his desire for a personal meeting with them. The aim of such a meeting is to discuss possible solutions that take into account the interests of all affected parties—Bulgarian, Greek, and other foreign hauliers—and to guarantee predictability, safety, and continuity of transport links between Bulgaria and Greece.
In connection with stated intentions for a full closure of the border for a period of 48 hours, Minister Karadzhov raised the issue of ensuring temporary time slots and routes for the passage of heavy goods vehicles, emphasising that guaranteeing passability is of key importance for limiting economic damage and preventing serious disruptions to international transport.