Greek Farmers Escalate Protests Amidst EU Subsidy Delays and Corruption Probe

Nationwide Protests Intensify Across Greece

Greek farmers have escalated their protests, now in their third consecutive week, rejecting a government invitation for talks and vowing further action. The widespread demonstrations have led to significant disruptions across the country's transport networks, fueled by grievances over delayed European Union subsidy payments and an ongoing corruption investigation.

Core Grievances: Subsidies, Corruption, and Costs

The farmers' discontent stems primarily from delayed EU subsidy payments, a situation exacerbated by a corruption investigation into OPEKEPE, Greece's agricultural payments agency. The investigation, led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), has uncovered evidence of 'systematic large-scale subsidy fraud and money laundering activities,' with allegations that some farmers, aided by state officials, faked land and livestock ownership to misappropriate EU funds. Greek officials estimate that fraudsters made over 30 million euros ($35 million) in false claims for Common Agricultural Policy subsidies.

Beyond the subsidy delays, farmers are demanding state support to address:

• High production costs, including calls for tax-free diesel and a cap on electricity prices.
• Significant livestock disease losses, particularly from a sheep pox outbreak that resulted in the culling of hundreds of thousands of sheep and goats.
• Compensation for weather damage.
• Resolution of long-standing structural problems within the agricultural sector.

Widespread Disruption and Stalled Dialogue

The protests have caused extensive traffic disruptions, with farmers establishing blockades at approximately 50 locations nationwide and partially closing another 50 sites. Major arteries affected include the Athens-Thessaloniki national road and the Athens-Lamia national road. Border crossings such as Promachonas and Kipi, as well as airports in Heraklion and Chania on Crete, and ports like Volos and Thessaloniki, have also experienced blockades. Some demonstrations have turned violent, involving clashes with police, the use of tear gas, stone-throwing, and damage to police vehicles.

Despite the disruptions, public support for the farmers remains high, with a national poll indicating that 76% of Greeks view their demands as legitimate. However, concerns are growing over the impact on travel, tourism, and trade, particularly as the protests continue into the Christmas period.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged farmers to end the blockades, stating the government is 'open for dialogue.' However, farmers' representatives, following a nationwide meeting in Nikaia, near Larissa, rejected the government's invitation for talks. They insist on first submitting a list of demands and will only engage in dialogue after receiving concrete government responses. The government has acknowledged payment delays and pledged to distribute 3.7 billion euros ($4.3 billion) to farmers this year, with substantial funds expected by the end of December, while emphasizing compliance with EU regulations.