Dec 5, 2025
Farmers blocked the Athens-Lamia national highway near Thiva, northwest of Athens, on Friday afternoon, further escalating nationwide protests over delayed European Union payments.
Within minutes, dozens of tractors that had gathered in nearby Agios Ioannis moved onto the highway, halting traffic in both directions. Traffic police have set up detours, redirecting vehicles toward Lamia via Thiva and Livadia.
Earlier in the day, farmers also brought their tractors to the Promachonas border crossing with Bulgaria.
Protesters say they are facing an estimated €600 million shortfall in EU subsidies and other payments, which remain frozen amid an investigation into a corruption scandal involving agricultural aid distribution.
Farmers from Orchomenos in the Viotia region, northwest of Athens, have announced further escalation. According to their statement, the Agricultural Association of Livadia – together with farmers from Aliartos, Vagia, Thespies, and Kastro – will move all tractors to Kastro, Viotia, on Sunday for a new blockade of the national highway.
In Phthiotis, Thessaly, central Greece, Friday’s actions were postponed due to severe weather. Demonstrations are expected to resume on Saturday, with convoys planned from western and eastern Phthiotis and from Lamia, where tractors are already gathered at pre-assembly points.
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