In a communication dated 2 February, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his satisfaction at seeing Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov adopt a constructive stance vis-à-vis the protest movement by Greek farmers at the Greek-Bulgarian border. He welcomed efforts made by both the prime minister and his Greek counterpart to put an end to action by Greek farmers, who are protesting by blocking border roads between the two countries. The main Promahonas border post and other roads within the country have been blocked for three weeks now. Greek farmers are calling for financial aid for products whose prices have fallen and are prohibiting trucks from crossing the border, thus obstructing the Community principle of the free movement of goods.

Bulgaria had already approached the European Commission, in January, to protest against the border blockade and an attempt by the Greek government to meet with farmers last week ended in failure due to political divisions within the protest movement. Greek Agriculture Minister Katerina Batzeli has announced new measures for the reorganisation of the sector, which she believes will be able to resolve the chronic problems being experienced by the Greek agriculture sector.

Therefore the matter may soon be settled. Moreover, Barroso says he is convinced that a quick and effective solution, based on compromise, may be found. If the problem persists, however, the Commission is prepared to resort to legal proceedings in order to guarantee the free movement of goods, he notes. He nevertheless hopes to be able to avoid lengthy infringement proceedings, which are not in the interests of citizens.