Greek riot police unleashed tear gas on farmers attempting to shut down a major international airport.
Story Overview
- Riot police fired tear gas at hundreds of Greek farmers with 100+ tractors blocking Thessaloniki airport access roads
- Farmers are protesting delayed EU subsidies after massive fraud investigation froze over 40,000 applications
- European prosecutors uncovered systematic subsidy fraud involving forged records and money laundering schemes
- Nationwide blockades at borders and highways threaten Greece’s supply chains and economic stability
Farmers Under Siege From EU Bureaucracy
Greek farmers deployed over 100 tractors near Thessaloniki International Airport, attempting to breach police cordons protecting the main access road. When protesters pushed forward with their tractors, riot police responded with tear gas and pepper spray to prevent a complete shutdown of Greece’s second-largest airport. The confrontation represents the fifth consecutive day of escalating farmer demonstrations across northern and central Greece, with thousands of tractors now blocking highways, border crossings, and threatening ports.
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Massive EU Fraud Investigation Devastates Rural Economy
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office launched a sweeping investigation into systematic large-scale subsidy fraud and money laundering involving Greek agricultural payments. Authorities arrested dozens of people for allegedly forging land and livestock records to fraudulently claim EU funds. Five senior Greek government officials resigned in June, and the state agency responsible for distributing subsidies began a phased shutdown. Over 40,000 subsidy applications remain frozen under review, leaving legitimate farmers without critical income needed for planting and operations.
Farmers like Vasilis Mavroskas describe themselves as “bankrupt,” unable to purchase seeds or fertilizer for the next planting season. The payment delays coincide with devastating livestock disease outbreaks of goat and sheep pox, forcing mass culling and further destroying rural incomes. Christos Tsilias, vice president of the Thessaloniki farmers’ union, urged public support to pressure the government for immediate payment releases, warning of broader food supply disruptions.
RSOE EDIS Event Report – Serial demonstrations, mass movements – Greece – Greek police fire tear gas at protesting farmers threatening to blockade airport – https://t.co/4escc2JZgS
— RSOE EDIS (@RSOE_EDIS) December 5, 2025
Government Caught Between EU Oversight and Rural Collapse
Public Order Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis stated the government remains open to talks but “will not tolerate” shutdown of major transit points like airports and highways. Police implemented traffic diversions across northern and central Greece to bypass farmer roadblocks, while maintaining riot units at strategic locations. The government promises higher subsidies than last year and claims payments will be issued soon, yet authorities emphasize reviews are necessary due to widespread fraudulent claims uncovered by EU prosecutors.
The crisis exposes fundamental tensions between EU financial oversight and national sovereignty over agricultural policy. EPPO’s investigation demonstrates Brussels’ growing power to investigate member states, while Greek farmers bear the economic consequences of institutional failures. Border crossings with Bulgaria, Turkey, and North Macedonia face significant truck traffic delays, threatening supply chains and international trade relationships critical to Greece’s economic recovery.
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Greek police fire tear gas at protesting farmers threatening to blockade airport
Greek police fire tear gas at farmers in airport road protest
