Greek farmers clash with police amid protests over delayed EU subsidies

Greek farmers clash with police amid protests over delayed EU subsidies

## Farmers Disrupt Key Greek Highway in Subsidy Dispute

**ATHENS, GREECE** – Hundreds of Greek farmers brought traffic to a standstill on a crucial artery connecting Athens and Thessaloniki on Tuesday, escalating a simmering dispute over delayed European Union agricultural subsidies. The coordinated blockade, impacting multiple sections of the heavily trafficked Athens-Thessaloniki highway, underscores the growing frustration among agricultural workers who claim the delayed payments are jeopardizing their livelihoods and threatening the viability of their farms.

The protests, which began in the early hours of the morning, saw farmers using tractors and agricultural machinery to obstruct traffic flow, creating significant disruptions for commuters and commercial vehicles alike. While police were present at the scene, the demonstrations remained largely peaceful, with authorities focused on managing traffic and preventing further escalation.

The core of the dispute lies in the delayed disbursement of EU-funded agricultural subsidies, payments vital for supporting farmers’ incomes and covering operational costs. These subsidies, intended to bolster the agricultural sector and ensure food security, are a cornerstone of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Farmers argue that the delays, attributed to bureaucratic bottlenecks and administrative inefficiencies within the Greek government, are leaving them financially vulnerable and struggling to meet their obligations.

“We are fighting for our survival,” declared Yannis Papadopoulos, a representative from a farmers’ association in Thessaly, one of the regions most heavily impacted by the delays. “These subsidies are not a bonus; they are essential for us to plant our crops, maintain our livestock, and keep our farms running. The government’s inaction is pushing us to the brink.”

The farmers are demanding immediate action from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food to expedite the release of the outstanding funds. They are also calling for greater transparency and accountability in the distribution process to prevent future delays.

The timing of the protests is particularly sensitive, coinciding with ongoing discussions within the Greek government regarding the implementation of the revised CAP framework. Farmers fear that the new regulations, if not carefully implemented, could further complicate the subsidy process and exacerbate existing delays.

The disruption to the Athens-Thessaloniki highway has had a ripple effect across the country, impacting supply chains and causing delays in the delivery of goods and services. Businesses reliant on timely transportation are facing increased costs and logistical challenges.

The Greek government has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the farmers’ concerns. However, sources within the Ministry of Rural Development and Food indicated that officials are working to resolve the issue and expedite the payment process. They cited ongoing efforts to streamline administrative procedures and address the backlog of applications.

The blockade on the Athens-Thessaloniki highway is a stark reminder of the critical role that agriculture plays in the Greek economy and the importance of ensuring the timely and efficient disbursement of EU subsidies. As the protests continue, the pressure mounts on the government to find a swift and equitable solution that addresses the farmers’ grievances and prevents further disruption to the country’s economic activity. The resolution of this dispute will not only impact the livelihoods of thousands of farmers but also serve as a crucial test of the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring the long-term sustainability of food production in Greece.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.