Border blockade: All checkpoints between Bulgaria and Greece closed to vehicles
The double border blockade crisis at the Bulgarian-Greek frontier deepened on February 19 as all checkpoints between the two countries were closed to vehicles.
Bulgarian lorry drivers who in recent days mounted a counter-blockade in response to those staged for weeks by Greek farmers expanded their action to include the checkpoints at Zlatograd and Ivailovgrad.
Already, by 7am, the checkpoints at Kulata, Ilinden, Makaza and Kapitan Petko Voivoda were shut by protesters.
On February 18, Bulgarian Economy Minister Bozhidar Lukarski estimated the losses because of the blockades at 10 million euro. He said Bulgaria would lodge an application to the European Commission for compensation.
Bulgarian and Greek government officials have proved ineffectual in seeking to negotiate a solution to the crisis, which began when Greek farmers embarked on road blockades inside Greece and at some of its border checkpoints to demand that the government in Athens reverses tax and pension system reforms.
