Greek Farmers Block Border Crossings Despite Government Warning Amid EU Subsidy Scandal

Greek farmers escalated their protests against delayed European Union subsidies on Wednesday, blocking traffic at key border crossings in northern Greece despite government warnings against such actions.

Convoys of tractors created blockades on routes leading to North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey, forcing vehicles into lengthy detours and disrupting regional trade flows. The protests mark a significant intensification following weekend demonstrations when farmers first took their tractors to the streets and blocked roads in several areas across the country.

The current unrest stems from delays in subsidy payments following the discovery of widespread fraudulent claims for EU agricultural funds. While farmer protests are a common feature in Greece’s political landscape, this dispute has gained particular momentum due to the scandal’s magnitude and its impact on legitimate farmers awaiting their payments.

“These delays are devastating for small farmers who depend on timely subsidies to cover operational costs,” said an agricultural union representative who requested anonymity. “Many families cannot afford to wait months for funds they budgeted for their seasonal expenses.”

The subsidy fraud scandal has already claimed political casualties, prompting the resignation of five senior government officials in June. Authorities also began the phased shutdown of the state agency previously responsible for handling agricultural subsidies, leaving many farmers uncertain about the future administration of support payments.

Public Order Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis struck a balanced tone this week, stating that the government remains open to negotiations with protest leaders while simultaneously warning that authorities would not tolerate closures of critical transportation infrastructure including ports and railway hubs.

“We understand the farmers’ concerns, but blockading major transit points harms the broader economy and cannot be accepted,” Chrisochoidis said in a statement released by his office.

The fraud investigation, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), has gained momentum in recent weeks with dozens of arrests across Greece related to allegedly false subsidy claims. The independent EU body, which specializes in financial crimes affecting Union funds, announced in late October that their investigation was targeting “a systematic large-scale subsidy fraud scheme and money-laundering activities.”

Investigators believe the scheme may have diverted millions of euros in agricultural subsidies intended to support Greece’s vital farming sector, which contributes approximately 4% to the country’s GDP and employs about 12% of its workforce.

The blockades come at a particularly sensitive time for Greece’s economy, which has shown signs of steady recovery after years of financial crisis. The country has been working to position itself as a stable regional transit hub and logistics center, efforts now threatened by the disruptions at key border crossings.

Economic analysts warn that prolonged blockades could impact supply chains beyond Greece, potentially affecting goods movement throughout the Balkan region and into Central Europe. Agricultural exports, a critical component of Greece’s economy, may also face delays if the situation persists.

The Greek government faces a delicate balancing act: addressing the legitimate grievances of farmers affected by payment delays while maintaining order and protecting economic interests that depend on open transportation routes. Officials have promised to accelerate payments to verified legitimate claimants while continuing to cooperate with EU investigators to identify fraudulent applications.

As temperatures drop across northern Greece, farmers at the blockades have indicated their willingness to maintain their positions until concrete solutions are offered. The coming days will likely determine whether dialogue prevails or if the standoff between authorities and agricultural workers deepens further.