EditFrom Paris promises to border standoff: Mitsotakis’ optimism meets farmers’ resolve
Despite political reassurances, the protests show no signs of abating: on the contrary, Greek farmers appear determined to escalate their actions
On the sidelines of the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris on 6 January, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis assured Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov – who serves in a caretaker capacity following his government’s resignation in December 2025, that the blockades at the Greek-Bulgarian border would be resolved in the coming days.
Greek farmers launched widespread protests in late November 2025, blocking major highways and key junctions with thousands of tractors in response to severe delays in payments under the EU Common agricultural policy (CAP).
The disruptions stem directly from a major corruption scandal rocking the Greek agricultural payments agency OPEKEPE (the Payment and control agency for guidance and Guarantee community aid).
Greece: justice à la carte – The OPEKEPE scandal and systemic impunity
Investigations by the European public prosecutor’s office (EPPO) and Greek authorities revealed systematic fraud, where some farmers – allegedly aided by state officials, faked land and livestock ownership to misappropriate millions of euros in EU funds. This led to a massive shortfall estimated at up to €600 million in unpaid or reduced subsidies for legitimate farmers.
Since 3 December, Greek farmers and livestock breeders have been regularly deploying agricultural machinery, primarily tractors, to block key border crossings with Bulgaria, including the main Kulata–Promachonas checkpoint and others such as Ilinden–Exochi. Long queues of cars and trucks, temporary closures (especially for heavy goods vehicles), and intermittent full blockades have severely impacted cross-border transport.
Speaking to Mitsotakis in Paris, Zhelyazkov emphasized that the issue extends far beyond bilateral concerns, affecting the smooth operation of European transport corridors, the single market, and the principles of free movement of goods and people within the Schengen area.
He highlighted the severe impact on Bulgarian transport companies, which face substantial economic losses and prolonged delays in harsh winter conditions, while noting that the disruptions also harm Greek industry, agriculture, and the broader economy. The Bulgarian government has firmly supported its haulers, describing their position as fair and underscoring its commitment to protecting national interests.
Diplomatic efforts and continued disruptions
Earlier, on 6 January, Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of transport Grozdan Karadjov held a telephone conversation with Greek Minister of Infrastructure Christos Dimas. Karadjov raised urgent concerns about the month-long blockades, which have created long truck queues, significant financial damage, and hardships for drivers. He requested temporary windows or alternative routes for heavy goods vehicles to minimize disruptions and asked that Bulgaria’s views be conveyed to the protesting farmers. Dimas acknowledged the problems affecting neighboring countries and confirmed that Mitsotakis is personally monitoring the situation, having already extended an invitation for dialogue with farmers’ representatives two weeks prior. The Greek side expressed a desire to resolve the matter swiftly while preserving good neighborly relations.
Despite these assurances, the blockades persist, with farmers threatening further escalation, including potential 48-hour full closures. The situation has drawn criticism from Bulgarian transport representatives, who report weekly losses of approximately 3.47 million euros and call for stronger diplomatic intervention.
Despite a diplomatic note from the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry and repeated assurances from Greek authorities – including a recent statement from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to his Bulgarian counterpart, that the issue would be resolved “in the coming days”, the protests show no signs of abating. On the contrary, Greek farmers appear determined to escalate their actions: they have threatened and begun implementing rolling blockades of major highways, ports, and all border crossings, with the aim of significantly paralyzing both domestic transport in Greece and international freight/passenger flows.
Government measures and uncertain resolution
In response to the protests over delayed EU subsidies, rising production costs, and other grievances, the Greek government presented a comprehensive support package on 7 January. Announced by a ministerial team including Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras, Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou, and Deputy Finance Minister Thanos Petralias, the measures focus on reducing production costs and offsetting losses.
Key elements include extending fixed electricity pricing under the GAIA program for two years, with rates as low as around 8.2–8.5 euro cents per kilowatt-hour for eligible farmers without overdue debts; reintroducing tax-free agricultural diesel at the pump based on actual consumption; reallocating €160 million in unused funds for income and livestock support; enabling 100% compensation through the ELGA insurance fund with higher payout limits; and establishing a digital traceability system to combat illegal product “Hellenisation.”
The government has stressed that these interventions address many of the farmers’ demands and are intended for the wider agricultural community, not just the protesting groups. It has signaled that no further major concessions will be made and that the package would proceed via legislation even without agreement. Officials have warned of administrative and criminal sanctions, including fines, if blockades continue, with the Chief Prosecutor instructing nationwide action against traffic violations.
While the Paris assurances offer hope for de-escalation, the farmers’ response remains uncertain, with some groups rejecting the measures as insufficient and threatening intensified actions.
The Greek government must now balance domestic social pressures with its European commitments and bilateral obligations, particularly toward Bulgaria. The coming days will be critical in determining whether dialogue prevails or tensions escalate further.
Sources: Press releases of the Bulgarian and Greek governments, IBNA, Kathimerini, BGNES, BTA
Tractors vs. government: Greek farmers launch nationwide revolt
Caption: Trucks stand in line at the Promachonas Customs House on the Greek side, due to the farmers’ blockade in Promachonas on the border with Bulgaria, in Serres, Greece, 19 December 2025. The farmers and livestock breeders proceeded with a ten-hour blockade for trucks of all types starting at 12:00 PM over rising costs and delayed subsidies. EPA/ACHILLEAS CHIRAS
Updated: January 8, 2026 - 11:48
