Greek Farmers Block Highway in Subsidy Protest, Clashes with Police Erupt

Larissa, Greece – December 1, 2025 – Greek farmers have escalated protests over delayed European Union subsidy payments, clashing with police and blocking key sections of the athens-Thessaloniki national highway.Hundreds of tractors descended upon the roadway near Larissa on Sunday, effectively halting traffic and signaling a deepening crisis in the agricultural sector.

Police responded by deploying tear gas in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators, resulting in three arrests. Despite the intervention, farmers have maintained thier blockade, vowing to remain until the government addresses their concerns.

“We will stay here until [the government] gives solutions,” stated Costas Tzelas, a local farm trade unionist, to reporters on the scene.

The protests stem from significant delays in the disbursement of EU’s Common agricultural Policy subsidies. These delays are directly linked to an ongoing investigation into widespread fraud, where allegations surfaced that some farmers falsely claimed land and livestock ownership to illegally obtain funds. Authorities estimate the fraudulent claims total over 30 million euros ($35m).

According to Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food Christos kellas, farmers have already received 100 million euros ($116m) less in subsidies due to the investigation. He assured that legitimate claimants will receive their funds following the completion of appeals processes.

The situation remains tense, with further protests planned for next week. The disruption to the Athens-Thessaloniki highway, a vital transportation artery, is expected to have significant economic repercussions. The unrest highlights the growing frustration within the Greek agricultural community and raises questions about the efficiency and oversight of EU subsidy distribution.

[Image: A drone view shows farmers’ tractors blocking a highway during a protest in Nikaia, near Larissa, Greece, November 30, 2025 [Alexandros Avramidis/ Reuters]]

What specific bureaucratic hurdles are contributing to the delays in CAP fund disbursement to Greek farmers?

Greek Farmers Engage in Clashes with Police During Protests Over Delayed EU Subsidies

escalating tensions: A Breakdown of the Protests

Recent days have seen meaningful unrest in Greece as farmers across the country engage in widespread protests, culminating in clashes with police forces. The core issue fueling this discontent is the delayed disbursement of crucial European Union (EU) subsidies intended to support the agricultural sector. These farm subsidies, vital for the economic survival of many Greek agricultural businesses, have faced bureaucratic hurdles and delays, leaving farmers struggling to cover costs and maintain operations. The protests are impacting major roadways and border crossings, disrupting trade and travel.

The Root Causes: Why Are Greek Farmers Protesting?

The delays in EU agricultural funding aren’t a new issue, but the current situation represents a boiling point.Several factors contribute to the escalating tensions:

* Bureaucratic delays: Complex application processes and lengthy approval times for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds are a major complaint. Farmers report waiting months, even years, for payments.

* Rising Input Costs: The cost of essential farming inputs – including fertilizer,fuel,and animal feed – has surged in recent years,exacerbated by global events and inflation. without timely subsidies, these costs become unsustainable.

* climate Change Impacts: Greece, like many Mediterranean countries, is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. These events decimate crops and livestock, increasing the need for financial support.

* Competition & Market pressures: Greek farmers face intense competition from cheaper agricultural imports, notably from within the EU.Subsidies are seen as a necessary buffer against these market pressures.

* Concerns over CAP Reform: Ongoing reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are raising concerns among farmers about potential cuts to funding and increased bureaucratic requirements.

Key Protest Locations and Tactics

The protests are not centralized; rather, they are occurring across various regions of Greece, each with its own specific concerns. Some of the key locations include:

* Thessaly: Heavily impacted by recent flooding, farmers in Thessaly are demanding immediate disaster relief and compensation, alongside the overdue subsidies.

* Crete: Protests on the island focus on the high cost of electricity and water, along with the subsidy delays.

* Northern Greece: Farmers have blocked key border crossings with North Macedonia and Bulgaria, disrupting trade routes.

* Athens: Demonstrations have been held in the capital,with farmers bringing tractors to Syntagma Square,outside the Parliament building.

Protest tactics have included:

* Road Blockades: Blocking major highways and national roads with tractors and other farm equipment.

* Border Closures: Shutting down border crossings to neighboring countries.

* Demonstrations in City Centers: Organizing rallies and protests in major cities.

* Direct Action: in some instances, protests have escalated into clashes with police, involving the use of tear gas and other crowd control measures.

The Government Response & EU Involvement

The Greek government has acknowledged the farmers’ concerns and pledged to expedite the disbursement of subsidies. However, farmers remain skeptical, citing past promises that were not fulfilled.Government officials have blamed bureaucratic inefficiencies and technical issues for the delays.

The European Commission is under increasing pressure to intervene. While the CAP is managed at the national level, the EU provides the funding and sets the overall framework. EU farm policy is now under scrutiny. Commission representatives have stated they are working with the Greek government to resolve the issues and ensure that farmers receive the support they are entitled to. The situation highlights broader concerns about the effectiveness and accessibility of EU agricultural support.

impact on the Greek Economy & Supply Chains

The ongoing protests are having a tangible impact on the greek economy:

* Disrupted Supply Chains: Road blockades are hindering the transportation of agricultural products, leading to shortages and price increases in some areas.

* Trade Disruptions: Border closures are impacting trade with neighboring countries, affecting both imports and exports.

* Tourism Concerns: While not directly targeted, the protests could deter tourists, particularly if they lead to widespread disruptions.

* Economic Losses for Farmers: The delays in subsidies are causing financial hardship for farmers, perhaps leading to bankruptcies and land abandonment.

Historical Context: Previous Farmer Protests in Greece

Farmer protests are a recurring phenomenon in Greece, reflecting the long-standing challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Similar demonstrations occurred in 2019 and 2020, also triggered by concerns over subsidy delays, rising costs, and CAP reforms. These past protests often resulted in similar disruptions and clashes with police. Understanding this history of agricultural protests in Greece is crucial for contextualizing the current situation.

Looking Ahead: Potential resolutions and Future Challenges

Resolving the current crisis requires a multi-faceted approach:

* Immediate Disbursement of Subsidies: The Greek government must prioritize the immediate release of overdue payments to farmers.

* Streamlining Bureaucratic Processes: Simplifying the application process for CAP funds and reducing approval times.

* Addressing Rising Input Costs: Implementing measures to mitigate the impact of rising costs for fertilizer, fuel, and other essential inputs.

* Investing in Climate Resilience: Providing financial support for farmers to adapt to the effects of climate change.

* Dialogue and Negotiation: Establishing a constructive