Greek farmers block motorway as subsidy fraud fallout deepens

Greek farmers have shut down parts of the country’s main north–south motorway, using tractors and other machinery to block traffic as discontent over rising production costs, low market prices and delayed state payments intensifies. The demonstrations follow arrests linked to a widening subsidies fraud investigation involving the national agency responsible for distributing EU farm funds.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office said a preliminary probe identified 324 individuals who allegedly received €19.6 million in unlawful payments from OPEKEPE, the body overseeing EU agricultural subsidies. The revelations have fueled anger among producers and prompted closer scrutiny of Greece’s support schemes.

Farmers and local associations have concentrated their action on the Athens–Thessaloniki motorway, including near Nikaia in the Thessaly region, forcing traffic diversions on Monday as more machinery arrived to reinforce the blockade. Union representatives are due to meet later in the day, with organizers warning they will extend the closures if the government does not address their demands.

The Federation of Agricultural Associations said additional blockades are being prepared at Megalochori and in Trikala, where protests are planned for Wednesday, while further disruptions are expected in eastern Thessaloniki.

Tensions escalated on Sunday, the first day of mobilization, when clashes broke out in the villages of Nikaia and Platykampos as farmers tried to reach the motorway. Two protesters and two police officers were injured, according to the ELAS resistance movement. Police reported three arrests for offences including violence against officials, property damage and resistance.

Farmers gathered outside the Larissa Police Directorate on Monday, calling for the release of those detained. With no formal response yet from the government, producer groups say demonstrations could expand nationwide through 5 December, continuing a long-standing tactic of road blockades to pressure authorities.