MEP İlhan Küçük: Open the Rudozem–Xanthi Border Crossing!

Ilhan Küçük a Turkish origin Bulgarian Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee, has officially filed a complaint with the European Commission regarding the continued closure of the Rudozem–Xanthi (Iskeçe) border crossing between Bulgaria and Greece.

With Bulgaria set to join the Schengen area via land borders on January 1, 2025, the fact that the crossing remains closed despite completed infrastructure has sparked criticism—especially as delays are blamed on bureaucratic hurdles on the Greek side.

According to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), local residents are forced to take a 70 km detour due to the closed crossing. Tensions are rising, with local politicians even threatening to symbolically remove the border fence.

Küçük's Demands to the European Commission:

An assessment of whether the border’s closure violates Schengen Border Code rules.

An analysis of the economic, transportation, and safety impacts caused by the closure.

Immediate steps to remove physical barriers and open the Rudozem–Xanthi corridor for real cross-border connectivity.

“Seeing fences instead of bridges in a united Europe and an expanding Schengen area is unacceptable. Bulgaria fulfilled its obligations months ago. I expect the European Commission to act swiftly to guarantee free movement for European citizens,” Küçük stated.

Bulgarian PM's Statement:

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said Bulgaria will pressure Greek authorities to open the crossing to vehicle and tourist traffic by 2025.