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April 26, 2025
Ilhan Kyuchyuk: If Bulgaria does not take a leadership role in the Balkans, someone else will do it instead
April 30, 2025
Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee in the European Parliament and Bulgarian MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk has officially called on the European Commission to intervene regarding the blockage of the fully completed Rudozem–Xanthi border checkpoint by the Hellenic Republic.
In light of the fact that Bulgaria has been a full member of the Schengen Area since January 1, 2025, the MEP raised three key questions before the European Commission aimed at swiftly resolving the ongoing lack of transport accessibility between the two countries.
Ilhan Kyuchyuk urges the European Commission to:
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Assess how the imposed blockade of the newly constructed road section violates the obligations under the Schengen Borders Code;
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Analyze the missed opportunities for transport connectivity, regional economic development, and road safety in the context of the strategic “Vision Zero” goal of eliminating road traffic fatalities by 2050;
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Take immediate action to remove physical obstacles and ensure effective connectivity along the Rudozem–Xanthi axis.
“It is unacceptable that in a united Europe and within an expanded Schengen Area, fences are being erected where there should be bridges of cooperation. Bulgaria fulfilled its commitments months ago. I expect swift action from the European Commission to uphold the right to free movement of European citizens and goods,” stated Ilhan Kyuchyuk.
The Rudozem–Xanthi border checkpoint was agreed upon between Bulgaria and Greece as early as 1995 as part of efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation and develop the Trans-European Transport Network. Bulgaria has fulfilled all its obligations on its side, including the completion of the access road and the checkpoint itself. Meanwhile, on the Greek side, instead of a road connection, a fence and concrete barriers have been erected, completely preventing any passage.
Тази публикация е достъпна и на следните езици: Bulgarian
