Commission “sweets” Greek farmers with €45b – Mitsotakis: Greece heard loud and clear

The political conflict surrounding Greece’s agricultural sector has entered a new phase, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis leveraging a massive European proposal for farmer support amid ongoing social and intra-governmental pressure to resolve the agricultural protests.

According to the government, the European Commission’s proposal to mobilize €45 billion for the agricultural sector represents a “substantial step in support” – and as the Prime Minister wrote, it demonstrates that “Greece’s voice in Europe is heard louder and clearer than ever.” 

 government seeks to close wounds politically

Despite delays in payments, persistent farm protests, and tension with agricultural representatives, Athens is attempting to turn the European proposal into political capital. This is not merely another funding plan; it is a signal of political strength:

• The government is showing it is not inward-looking, even amid a critical social sector, and that it effectively represents Greece at the European level.
• Emphasizing the mobilization of €45 billion was no accident before the announcement of national measures—it is a strategic move to counter criticism of “half-measures” in addressing farmers’ demands.
• Government sources note that the Commission’s proposal reinforces Greece’s argument for long-term support up to 2034, well beyond the immediate tensions caused by ongoing protests.

 Protests vs European support: a full-blown political showdown

While the European Commission intervenes with substantial funds, inside Greece:

• Government officials are preparing immediate intervention packages, including measures for electricity, fuel, compensations, and subsidies, regardless of whether farmers sit at the negotiation table—demonstrating decisiveness but also a unilateral strategic approach.
• Ministers highlight that €3.8 billion already distributed to farmers in 2025 provides a strong base, although farmer representatives consider this insufficient.
• Dialogue with stakeholders remains tense, as many farmer demands tied to liquidity issues, energy costs, and market pressures remain partially unmet, despite EU-level safeguards against market disruptions from trade deals such as Mercosur.

The story behind the numbers

For months, the farming community has resisted quick fixes. Before the €45 billion announcement, the Commission convened to secure backing for agreements affecting European markets, while repeated farm protests tested government patience.

At the same time, signs indicate Athens is attempting to modernize subsidy management, ensuring real producers benefit, correcting past abuses or inequalities, and negotiating with Brussels for more equitable and functional support mechanisms.

Political stakes

The Mitsotakis government is attempting to turn European funding into political capital, aiming to:

• show tangible support for the agricultural sector, not symbolic gestures,
• counter opposition claims of neglecting farmers,
• frame farm protests within a European narrative of substantial resources, not just domestic political management.

In the 2026 political arena, €45 billion is more than a number—it is a bargaining chip and a political shield.

Source: pagenews.gr