Clashes broke out on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Promachonas border crossing between farmers and units of Greece’s Mobile Immediate Action Force (MAT). Farmers and livestock breeders from Serres attempted to approach the disinfection zone at the station, prompting police forces stationed there to intervene and repel the group.
Limited Use of Chemical Agents, Farmer Loses Consciousness
According to the Hellenic Police, only limited use of chemical agents occurred amid low-level tension that lasted just a few minutes — with no further escalation. As reported by thesspost.gr, one farmer lost consciousness following exposure to a chemical agent deployed by a MAT officer.
Early-Morning Mobilization, Traffic Unaffected
From early morning, farmers had gathered at the Leukonas intersection using tractors and agricultural vehicles, acting on a decision taken during their general assembly. Despite the protest, vehicle and freight traffic from Bulgaria into Greece via Promachonas continued normally throughout the day.
Traffic was temporarily suspended only along the Leukonas–Promachonas section of the National Highway, up to the Christos–VIPE intersection. Police forces remain deployed at the site to prevent tractors from advancing toward the border.
Farmers Demand Fulfillment of Government Promises
The protesters argue that none of the commitments made by the government during previous mobilizations have been implemented. They emphasize that acute challenges facing the primary sector persist — even as the current cultivation season is in full swing.