Greek farmers on Saturday rejected a government invitation for talks, pledging to intensify demonstrations that have disrupted traffic nationwide for a third week.
The decision followed a nationwide meeting of farmer representatives, who said they would first submit demands and only engage in dialogue after receiving concrete responses.
Protests, including blockades of highways, border crossings and ports, were sparked by delays in EU subsidy payments after a corruption probe into Greece’s agricultural payments agency.
Farmers are also seeking state support for rising production costs, livestock disease losses, weather damage and long-standing structural issues.
Experts say subsidies account for about 47 percent of the average farmer’s income.
“Structural problems were never resolved, while costs continued to rise,” said Efstathios Klonaris, professor of agricultural economics at the Agricultural University of Athens, quoted by local daily To Vima.
The government has acknowledged payment delays and promised funds by the end of December, but stressed all payments must comply with EU rules. Officials warned demands must also consider wider societal disruption.
Surveys show most Greeks view the farmers’ grievances as legitimate, though many oppose the roadblocks. With protests stretching into the Christmas period, concerns are mounting over impacts on travel, tourism and trade.