Farmers across Greece have intensified their protests, blocking major highways, border crossings and announcing an indefinite shutdown of Heraklion Airport in Crete beginning Monday.

The widespread mobilization has caused significant disruption from Western Macedonia in the north to Thessaly, Central Greece, the Peloponnese and the islands.

In northern Greece, tractor convoys from Kozani, Ptolemaida and Kastoria closed the Egnatia Odos at the Siatista tolls, diverting traffic to older mountain routes. Additional blockades were reported at the Angelokastro tolls in Aetoloakarnania and at Aktio.

Thessaly saw one of the largest gatherings, with more than 4,000 tractors assembled at the Nikaia junction, the E65 near Karditsa and the Longos tolls in Trikala. Farmers there plan further action starting Monday, including customs blockades and an attempt to close the port of Volos.

On the Athens–Lamia highway, farmers occupied the Mikrothives section in both directions after breaking through a police line. At the Bralos junction outside Lamia, more than 100 tractors converged from surrounding areas, with protesters burning straw and spilling milk as part of their demonstration.

In Crete, farmers and livestock breeders announced they will block Heraklion Airport indefinitely from Monday. Producers from Lasithi are expected to join the action in a planned convoy.

Protests also continue in Achaia despite poor weather, with multiple blockades reported near Kato Achaia and in Itea, where more than 100 tractors have repeatedly closed the Patras–Pyrgos routes.

Border crossings remain heavily affected. Blockades have been reported at Kipoi, Exochi, Promachonas, Evzoni, Niki and at routes leading to the Kakavia checkpoint. Although Bulgaria entered the Schengen area this year, allowing border-free travel, the protests continue to disrupt transport. At Promachonas, farmers have alternated between opening and closing the crossing to lorries. While more than 170 trucks have been allowed through in recent days, many more remain stuck on the Greek side.

The farmers’ demands include immediate payment of delayed subsidies, lower fuel and energy costs, reduced production expenses, tax and social security relief, reforms to the ELGA agricultural insurance system and increased support for livestock farmers facing disease outbreaks and extreme weather.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the government is open to dialogue and urged farmers to present clear demands through organized representation. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said authorities have already proposed a long-term plan to reduce electricity costs for farmers and are willing to discuss further measures for those facing the greatest difficulties.

The protests show no sign of easing, raising concerns about prolonged disruption to transport and trade across the country. (ILKHA)