Greece: The Farmers' Strike

EA's Fulya Inci reports:

A week-long blockade by Greek farmers, protesting the Government's austerity measures in agriculture and demanding greater support for agricultural products, ended early Sunday.

The farmers had blocked the border with Bulgaria with tractors and reapers, refusing passage of vehicles except those with only passengers. “Cars and trucks carrying goods to destinations ranging from Poland to Italy were stranded on both sides of the border.”

During the protests, diplomatic tension rose with Bulgarian officials accused Greek authorities of not doing enough to stop the blockade. Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov's visit to the border was criticised by Greek media of acting “undiplomatic”.

Borisov has been ordered the establishment of a special department to settle the claims of Bulgarian companies. Economy Minister Traicho Traikov told Parliament that Bulgaria had lost “three million euros per day", and the Agriculture Ministry and Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism received complaints from firms reporting a total loss of approximately 77.5 million leva ($55.6 million).  The companies’ demands for compensation will be presented on European Commission for Greece’s attention.