• Greek farmers protest delayed EU subsidizes, blocking major highways.
• Police clashed with protesters, using tear gas in response.
• Investigations into subsidy fraud have been a major factor driving the unrest.
• Farmers demand higher compensation amid rising production costs.
• Previous investigations led to significant fines against Greece for subsidy misuse.

Greek farmers clashed with police on Sunday during protests over delayed European Union subsidies, blocking roads with tractors, particularly along the Athens-Thessaloniki national highway near Larissa. The protests were incited by a 600-million-euro shortfall in expected aid, with police using tear gas to disperse the demonstrators trying to break through barricades, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The unrest stems from a wider investigation into a corruption scandal where some farmers allegedly made false claims for agricultural subsidies. Reports indicate that fraudulent claims exceeding 30 million euros were detected, exacerbating tensions among farmers who received 100 million euros less this funding period than previously, as stated by Deputy Minister Christos Kellas, according to Al Jazeera and AA.

Further complicating the situation, farmers are also urging compensation for livestock losses due to a sheep pox outbreak. The government's refusal to allow vaccination of flocks has added to the discontent, particularly after 400,000 sheep and goats were culled. The scandal surrounding the EU subsidies has led to investigations by the authorities and has previously resulted in hefty fines against Greece, highlighting the systemic issues within the agricultural payment system managed by OPEKEPE, according to Reuters and AA.