Bulgaria's foreign ministry is advising Bulgarians in Valencia and Barcelona to avoid planned protest sites today, especially in the late afternoon and evening, the ministry's Situation Centre directorate said.

Bulgarians in both cities should follow local police instructions exactly and take care when moving around the city centre. The ministry says the protests could turn into disorder, violence, vandalism and attacks on shops in the central areas.

The demonstrations have been called by groups linked to the Blocus movement. In Valencia, local authorities have set a meeting point on Xàtiva street, where protesters are expected between 5.30pm and 6pm. Crowds are also expected around Colón street. Police plan to deploy more officers to keep order.

In Barcelona, the protests are in the centre and have not been authorised through the official process. From 5pm, participants will gather at the Arc de Triomf and at Plaça de Catalunya. A protest starts at 8pm in front of La Pedrera at Passeig de Gràcia 92, and by midnight groups may move on to the main shopping areas.

For consular or emergency help in Valencia, Bulgarians can call the Consulate General on +34 630 168 018, including outside working hours, or write to [email protected]. The consulate in Barcelona can be reached on 0034 937 969 950. Its out-of-hours duty phone is 0034 619 217 097, and its email is [email protected].

In an emergency, the Situation Centre directorate is available around the clock on +359 2 948 24 04, +359 2 971 38 56 and +359 893 339 616, and at [email protected].