Government details farmer support measures as protests continue
Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis on Wednesday outlined new support measures for farmers, saying agricultural funds would be distributed more fairly, as protests by farmers continued across the country.
Speaking at a press conference with senior ministers, Hatzidakis said €3.82 billion in agricultural payments were made in 2025, while acknowledging a one-month delay. He said payments could not be made earlier without risking EU fines, adding that Greece would receive the same level of funding from Brussels.
“The real farmers will win, because the same funds will be distributed in a fairer way,” Hatzidakis said.
He said 16 of 27 farmer demands have been met, four are under review and seven fall outside EU budget limits. He also backed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ proposal for a cross-party committee on agriculture under the new Common Agricultural Policy.
Rural Development and Food Minister Kostas Tsiaras said the government’s plan rests on five pillars and complies fully with EU rules. He announced the redistribution of €160 million in undisbursed support, with €80 million allocated to cotton and wheat producers and the remainder to livestock farmers.
Tsiaras also said the Public Power Corporation would extend fixed electricity prices for farmers under the GAIA tariff for two years from April 1, with rates falling to 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour for farmers without outstanding debts.
Deputy Finance Minister Thanos Petralias announced that from Nov. 1, 2026, farmers will receive refunds of the Special Consumption Tax on diesel directly at the point of purchase, using digital tools to prevent fuel smuggling.
Farmers demand meeting with Prime Minister
Meanwhile, farmers in Central Greece said they would escalate protests, keeping tractors on major highways and launching 48-hour blockades at several border crossings. They are demanding a meeting with Prime Minister Mitsotakis, saying key issues affecting the sector remain unresolved.
