Bulgaria FM: EU 'to Launch Proceedings' against Greece over Border Blockade

The European Commission is to launch infringement proceedings against Greece, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov has said.

He has also noted that tension on both sides of the Bulgarian-Greek border is growing and is becoming "unacceptable".

The EU Commission has not yet commented on his words.

But the Commission's office in Bulgaria has told Novinite that a procedure is normally preceded by a number of steps taken by the EU's executive body in its communication with member states.

The minister's remarks, aired by the Bulgarian National Television, refer to the blockade staged by Greek farmers at key crossings along the common border. Hundreds of commercial transit trucks have been stranded for days on both sides as farmers are protesting against their government's plans to raise social insurance contributions and implement new tax legislation.

Mitov has made clear Bulgaria has informed the EU Commission of the developments and is using "all the tools" it has at hand to find a solution.

However, all Bulgaria can do is to "apply pressure" on Greek authorities, Focus News Agency quotes him as saying.

"How can I make the Greek state use force [to end the protest]? They [farmers] are refusing to abide by their own law."