Bulgarians cut border fence at Rudozem–Xanthi crossing: “Our patience has run out”

In a symbolic protest dubbed "Peri Baklava", dozens of Bulgarians gathered once again at the long-closed Rudozem–Xanthi (İskeçe) border crossing between Bulgaria and Greece. Their demand was clear: reopen the border.

During the demonstration, protestors cut through the border fence and peacefully crossed into Greek territory for a few meters, where they offered baklava to Greek police officers stationed at the crossing. The act was meant to highlight the absurdity of the continued closure, with protesters holding signs reading:

“Even baklava is faster than this border” and “Our patience has run out”.

The protest was organized by local activist Todor Batkov Jr., who emphasized the economic and cultural toll the closure has taken on both sides. “This border is not just a line on a map. It separates families, disrupts trade, and undermines European unity,” Batkov stated.

The Rudozem–Xanthi border crossing, completed in infrastructure years ago, remains unopened due to bureaucratic and political delays. Frustration among local residents has been growing, especially as neighboring crossings remain operational.

Despite cutting through the fence, the protest remained peaceful. Greek authorities monitored the event but did not intervene, instead accepting the offered baklava with reserved smiles — a gesture that quickly went viral on regional social media.

Background
The Rudozem–Xanthi crossing was built to boost regional mobility and economic cooperation, but has been plagued by delays attributed to bilateral disagreements, security concerns, and lack of political will. Calls for its opening have intensified in recent months, particularly from border towns that rely on cross-border movement.

Bulgarian and Greek officials have yet to release a joint statement in response to the latest protest.