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Greek Farmers Shut Down Crete Airports as Subsidy Fraud Probe Halts Payouts

The latest blockades on Crete reflect anger over frozen EU farm payments during a fraud investigation exceeding €30 million.

Overview

  • Farmers occupied the runway at Heraklion from 13:00 and blocked access to Chania’s terminal, disrupting flights and passenger access, according to airport officials.
  • State broadcaster footage showed protesters striking police vehicles with stones and sticks as officers used tear gas, and one police car was overturned.
  • A regional breeders’ leader said no one would enter or exit the airports until Tuesday morning, while operator Fraport warned of delays and temporary disruptions.
  • Payments remain on hold as the European Public Prosecutor probes thousands of suspicious, area-based subsidy claims tied to gaps in Greece’s land registries.
  • Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged that lawful farmers will not lose money and invited talks, as livestock breeders demanded compensation for animals culled in a sheep pox outbreak with reported totals varying by source.