Agricultural blockades: Critical meeting of the Panhellenic Committee to decide next steps

Farmers, who have maintained organised blockades for weeks, will be asked to decide whether the government’s proposals address their concerns. According to information reported by ERT, some farmers are calling for an escalation of protests, while others express interest in entering dialogue with the government to clarify the measures being put forward.

The decision of the Panhellenic Committee will determine whether the blockades remain, are strengthened or take a different form.

On the government side, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated that transferring OPEKEPE to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is a “red line” for the government. Vice Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis announced support measures worth 160 million euros for livestock farmers, cotton growers and wheat producers. The government also pledged to introduce measures such as returning the special excise duty on diesel and further reducing electricity costs for farmers through the Public Power Corporation (ΔΕΗ).

Hatzidakis stated that unallocated resources of 80 million euros will be directed towards supporting livestock farmers and cotton growers, while the government argues that the new system will benefit real producers with social impact.

Farmers at the blockades remain determined to continue their mobilisation. Today, they have planned new actions at several customs crossings. At the Promachonas crossing, producers are implementing an eight-hour blockade from noon, while private vehicles and buses may still pass. Farmers from Nevrokopi in Drama are organising a similar blockade, with passenger vehicles diverted to bypass routes.

Blockades are also taking place at the customs offices of Evzoni and Niki towards North Macedonia. In Evzoni, farmers will hold a four-hour blockade starting at 6pm, while producers in Niki will block the crossing from 7pm to 11pm. The protests are expected to continue, with tomorrow’s meeting of the Panhellenic Committee set to shape the next phase of action.

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