HNA Editorial Staff
ATHENS — December 19, 2025- Greece continues to experience widespread disruption as farmers across the country intensify nationwide protests, maintaining road and border blockades in response to delayed agricultural payments, rising production costs, and mounting frustration with government handling of the sector’s challenges.
For several weeks, farmers and livestock breeders have mobilized tractors and heavy vehicles at strategic points along Greece’s transportation network. Major highways, regional roads, and key border crossings with Bulgaria and North Macedonia remain partially or fully blocked, significantly impacting freight movement and cross-border trade. While passenger traffic is often allowed through at scheduled intervals, commercial transport has faced prolonged delays.
Why Farmers Are Protesting
At the center of the protests are delayed EU and state agricultural subsidy payments, which farmers rely on to cover fuel, equipment, livestock care, and operational expenses. The delays are linked to ongoing audits and investigations into irregularities at Greece’s agricultural payments authority, a process that has slowed the release of funds to legitimate producers.
Farmers argue that the financial strain comes at a time when production costs remain high, energy and fuel prices continue to burden rural economies, and climate-related losses have further weakened agricultural output. Protest leaders say that without immediate financial relief and clear commitments, many farms face serious viability concerns.
Escalation Ahead of the Holidays
In recent days, farmers’ coordinating committees have announced a new phase of mobilization, signaling their intention to sustain or expand blockades through the Christmas and New Year holiday period if demands are not met. Meetings held this week across northern and central Greece resulted in a coordinated strategy aimed at increasing pressure while attempting to maintain public support.
To limit hardship for holiday travelers, farmers have stated they will intermittently open toll gates and allow passenger vehicles to pass freely. However, freight transport remains the primary target of the protests, underscoring the economic leverage farmers are seeking to exert.
Impact on Daily Life and the Economy
The ongoing mobilizations have slowed logistics chains, affected agricultural exports, and disrupted supply routes connecting northern Greece to major urban centers such as Thessaloniki and Athens. Border closures have also affected regional trade, raising concerns among transport companies and exporters during a critical end-of-year period.
The protests have drawn expressions of solidarity from labor unions and other professional groups, intersecting with broader dissatisfaction over wage pressures and economic policy following the approval of Greece’s 2026 state budget.
Government Response
The Greek government has reiterated its willingness to engage in dialogue with farmers and has announced additional financial measures totaling approximately €160 million for the agricultural sector. Officials argue that fiscal constraints and EU regulations limit how quickly and broadly support can be expanded, while emphasizing the need to restore normal circulation on national roads.
Farmers, however, remain skeptical, insisting that discussions must include clear timelines for subsidy payments and binding commitments before they will consider lifting blockades.
Where Things Stand Today
As of December 19, 2025, road and border blockades remain active across multiple regions of Greece. No comprehensive agreement has been reached, and both sides appear entrenched in their positions. While limited easing of restrictions is expected during peak holiday travel hours, farmers have made clear that protests will continue unless tangible solutions are delivered.
The situation remains fluid, with developments expected in the coming days as Greece balances rural economic survival, public mobility, and political pressure at a critical moment for the country.
