In light of ongoing agricultural protests, key productive organizations in Greece are calling for immediate institutional dialogue to ensure the smooth functioning of the market, transport, and economic activity amidst the mobilizations. This call comes at a critical moment for retail, tourism, and industry, which rely heavily on the proper functioning of logistics, especially during the holiday season.
In a joint statement, the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE), Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), and Federation of Greek Industries (SVE) urge both agricultural representatives and the State to engage in dialogue with a sense of responsibility. They emphasize that only through communication and understanding can the issues be addressed without causing further disruption to other strategic sectors of the economy.
The organizations acknowledge that the demands of farmers are based on real, long-standing problems in the primary sector. However, they emphasize that the methods of protest should take into account the significant impact these actions may have on the economy, especially during the fourth quarter of the year.
The statement further emphasizes that the primary sector is a crucial part of the production chain and is directly linked to industry, trade, and tourism. Thus, ensuring the proper functioning of the supply chain and transportation is vital, especially as the holiday season is a key period for the survival of many businesses.
Key Points from the Statement:
Retail sector: The fourth quarter is critical, as it accounts for the highest turnover of the year, reaching 19 billion last year. Retail businesses rely heavily on the holiday shopping season to balance rising operational costs and achieve sales growth. Any disruption to this period could have dire consequences for these businesses.
Tourism: The tourism sector depends on significant revenues during the holiday period, with winter tourism being a primary source of income for many destinations affected by the agricultural protests.
Industry: This period is crucial for completing orders, shaping annual results, handling exports, and maintaining the overall production capacity of the country. A functioning market, logistics, and transport system are essential for achieving these goals.
The statement concludes with a call to agricultural representatives and the State to engage in dialogue, emphasizing that responsible action is the key to resolving issues in a way that does not negatively affect other strategic sectors of the economy. The organizations stress that dialogue, built on mutual respect and understanding, is the safest path to address the challenges without creating severe complications for the entire economy.
This appeal underscores the urgency of finding a balance between addressing the farmers’ concerns and safeguarding the broader economic well-being of the country.
