Greek border crossings disrupted as farmers press on with protests

Farmers in Greece continued their protest actions for a second consecutive day after Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced additional support measures for the agricultural sector, keeping blockades in place at major border crossings with North Macedonia and Bulgaria.

Roadblocks remained active at the customs posts of Evzoni, Niki, Promachonas, and Exochi, with farmers sustaining prolonged disruptions at both entry and exit points, per Greek media reports.

At the Promachonas customs office on the Bulgarian border, agricultural producers launched an eight-hour blockade beginning at 12:00 p.m., specifically targeting international freight traffic. Passenger vehicles and buses were still permitted to pass. The action received backing from several labour unions, whose representatives were scheduled to assemble at the site at 11:30 a.m.

A similar protest unfolded in Nevrokopi, in the Drama area near the Bulgarian border. There, farmers and livestock breeders enforced a blockade at the local customs point from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., barring all trucks while redirecting passenger cars and tourist buses via alternative routes.

At the Evzoni border crossing with North Macedonia, farmers decided during a general assembly to impose a four-hour blockade starting at 6:00 p.m. The measure affects both inbound and outbound traffic, halting all vehicles—including cars and trucks—with exemptions granted only for emergency situations.

Meanwhile, at the Niki customs post, farmers continued their protest between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., focusing on blocking freight trucks.

Despite government assurances, concern remains high among farmers in Thessaloniki and surrounding areas. Several roads continue to be affected by the demonstrations, including routes leading into Thessaloniki, which were set to close on Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Additional closures remain in place at Prasina Fanaria and Georgikis Scholis Avenue, while further disruptions are scheduled in Derveni from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and in Halkidona from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Farmers are expected to determine their next course of action during a nationwide assembly scheduled for Thursday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m. in Serres.

By Tamilla Hasanova