What's Happening?
In Thessaloniki, Greece, riot police used tear gas to disperse farmers attempting to block access to the city's international airport. The farmers are protesting delays in the payment of EU-backed agricultural
subsidies, which have been stalled due to investigations into fraudulent claims. The protests have seen thousands of tractors and agricultural vehicles deployed at key points across the country, disrupting traffic and threatening to blockade major transit routes. The delays have left many farmers in debt and unable to plant crops for the next season, exacerbating the impact of recent livestock disease outbreaks.
Why It's Important?
The protests highlight the critical role of EU subsidies in supporting Greece's agricultural sector, which is vital for the country's economy and food supply. The delays in payments, coupled with the recent livestock disease outbreaks, threaten the livelihoods of farmers and could lead to food shortages in urban areas. The situation underscores the need for transparent and efficient subsidy distribution systems to prevent fraud and ensure timely support for farmers. The unrest also poses a challenge for the Greek government, which must balance addressing the farmers' grievances with maintaining public order.
