Farmers across Greece have intensified their protests by blocking the Athens-Lamia highway, demanding timely disbursement of EU agricultural payments. The action has disrupted major transport routes and drawn widespread media attention, with authorities warning of economic impacts and ongoing negotiations to resolve the standoff.
Inverted Pyramid Structure
Greek farmers have escalated their demonstrations against delays in receiving European Union agricultural subsidies, blocking the crucial Athens-Lamia highway on December 5, 2025. The protest, organised by the Panhellenic Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, has brought significant traffic disruption and prompted urgent calls for dialogue from government officials and EU representatives.
Key Developments
As reported by Nikos Vasilakis of Ekathimerini, farmers began blocking the Athens-Lamia highway early on Friday morning, citing mounting frustration over the delayed arrival of EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments. Vasilakis stated,
“Farmers argue that without these funds, their ability to operate, purchase supplies, and sustain their livelihoods is severely compromised”.
The blockage has affected both freight and passenger traffic, with long queues forming at several entry points.
Farmer Statements and Demands
According to Ekathimerini, the president of the Panhellenic Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Stavros Koumoutsakos, said,
“We have waited months for our payments, and we are now at a breaking point. The EU and Greek government must act immediately to resolve this crisis”.
Farmers participating in the protest have demanded the immediate release of overdue subsidies, warning that continued delays could lead to further escalation and wider economic fallout.
Government and EU Response
Greek government officials, including Deputy Minister for Rural Development and Food, Dimitris Voulgaris, have acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Voulgaris told Ekathimerini,
“We are in constant communication with EU authorities to expedite the payment process. Our priority is to ensure that farmers receive the support they are entitled to without further delay”.
The European Commission has also issued a statement, confirming that technical issues within the CAP payment system are being addressed and that funds are expected to be disbursed in the coming days.
Economic and Social Impact
The highway blockade has had immediate consequences for commerce and daily life in central Greece. Local businesses have reported losses due to disrupted supply chains, and commuters have faced extended travel times. Ekathimerini’s coverage notes,
“The economic ripple effects are already being felt, with farmers warning that if payments are not received soon, more drastic measures may follow”.
Broader Context
This protest is part of a wider wave of farmer unrest across Europe, as delays in EU agricultural payments have become a recurring issue in several member states. Farmers in countries such as France, Italy, and Spain have also staged similar actions, demanding transparency and efficiency in subsidy distribution. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in the implementation of EU agricultural policy and the need for improved coordination between national and EU authorities.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Farmers’ unions, business associations, and local government officials have called for urgent negotiations to resolve the dispute. The Greek Farmers’ Association has warned that further protests may be planned if their demands are not met. Meanwhile, EU officials have reiterated their commitment to supporting Greek agriculture and ensuring timely payments, while also urging patience as technical and administrative processes are finalised.
Ongoing Negotiations
As of the latest update, government representatives and farmer leaders are holding emergency talks to find a resolution. The Ministry of Rural Development has indicated that a partial payment may be released within the next 48 hours as a goodwill gesture, with full disbursement expected in the coming Fweek. The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched by both farmers and the broader agricultural sector.
The Athens-Lamia highway blockade by Greek farmers underscores the urgent need for timely EU agricultural payments and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by rural communities across Europe. With negotiations underway and partial payments promised, the situation remains tense, and the coming days will be crucial in determining the next steps for both farmers and policymakers.
