Highway access and road safety are now the main issues facing traffic authorities, as farmers continue their presence at blockades across the national road network, opening only selected lanes to facilitate Christmas travel.

At the same time, the passage of vehicles through highways where tractors are positioned on both sides raises concerns about capacity and safety, given the increased volume of holiday traffic. With tractors occupying parts of the roadway, estimating travel times remains difficult, while traffic police have highlighted risks linked to reduced road width. As a result, many drivers are being redirected to bypass routes, leading to longer journeys.

The government continues to express support for dialogue and has reiterated its request to meet with a unified delegation representing farmers, with the aim of easing tensions and addressing outstanding issues in the agricultural sector. Officials note that prolonged disruptions risk affecting public support for the mobilizations, given the inconvenience to road users.

According to government sources, of the 27 demands submitted by farmers, 16 have been addressed, four are under review, and seven cannot be implemented due to institutional or financial constraints, including European regulations.

Tsiaras: Steps taken to de-escalate tensions

Speaking to ERTnews, Minister of Rural Development and Food Kostas Tsiaras said the government has taken steps to encourage dialogue with the farming community, acknowledging that the sector has faced significant challenges in recent years.

He noted that despite strong production levels, low market prices for agricultural products have created difficulties, emphasizing that pricing is influenced largely by global supply and demand rather than national policy. He added that the government has already moved to address these pressures and that discussions are ongoing regarding the redistribution of funds generated through tax audits and unused basic aid, within the limits set by the national budget and EU rules.

Mr. Tsiaras stressed that any further discussion with farmers would focus on how available resources can be allocated more effectively to areas where support is most needed.

Adjustments to tractor placement

Most blockades remain concentrated in Thessaly, Central Greece, and Northern Greece, requiring increased attention from drivers. Farmers, in coordination with traffic police and the Panhellenic Committee of Blockades, are expected to reposition tractors in several locations to improve traffic flow during the peak holiday period.

Key blockades include Nikaia in Larissa on the PATHE motorway, as well as sections of the E65 motorway near Karditsa and Trikala. On the Athens–Lamia national road, traffic is being diverted at Martinou and Ritsona, while bypass routes remain in use.

Additional blockades are in place on the Patras ring road, in Malgara, Thermi, Komotini, Siatista, and Kalpaki, with varying traffic arrangements. In several locations, farmers have announced temporary openings of highways through December 26 to facilitate holiday travel, including the full reopening of certain sections of the Egnatia Odos.

Farmers’ coordinating bodies are expected to meet later in the week to assess developments and decide on any further actions.