THESSALONIKI, Greece — Agricultural producers across northern Greece intensified demonstrations Wednesday by deploying tractor convoys to blockade key border crossings, creating significant disruptions to international transit routes. The protests target prolonged delays in European Union subsidy distributions connected to an ongoing corruption investigation that has shaken the nation’s agricultural sector.
Farmers effectively sealed access points to North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey, compelling commercial and passenger vehicles to seek extensive alternative routes. This action follows weekend demonstrations where hundreds of agricultural workers mobilized farming equipment to obstruct roadways throughout multiple regions.
While farmer protests occur periodically in Greece, the current unrest stems specifically from suspended subsidy payments after revelations of extensive fraudulent claims within the EU funding system. The scandal previously triggered the June resignation of five high-ranking government officials and the systematic dismantling of a state agency responsible for managing agricultural subsidies.
In recent weeks, dozens of individuals have been detained nationwide for allegedly submitting falsified claims. The investigation, directed by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), has uncovered what the independent EU financial crime body describes as “a systematic large-scale subsidy fraud scheme and money-laundering activities” according to their late October statement.
Greek Minister for Public Order Michalis Chrisochoidis stated this week that while the government maintains willingness to negotiate with protest organizers, it will not permit the shutdown of critical infrastructure including ports and railway hubs.