The strikes, scheduled to begin in January 2026, mark one of the largest coordinated transport protests in Greece in recent years.

The action was announced by the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA), one of the country’s most influential transport unions. During strike days, taxi drivers plan to gather daily at 10:00 a.m. and march to the Ministry of Transport, escalating pressure on the government.

Nationwide Impact Expected

Union officials confirmed that the strike decision applies to all regions of Greece. Final confirmation of nationwide participation is expected to include major urban centers such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion, as well as popular tourist islands.

The strikes come at a sensitive time for Greece’s economy, which remains heavily dependent on tourism and services. Any prolonged disruption to taxi services could affect airport transfers, cruise port connections, and daily commuting for residents.

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Why Taxi Drivers Are Protesting

According to SATA, the government has repeatedly ignored documented demands and reform proposals submitted by the taxi sector. Union representatives accuse authorities of refusing meaningful dialogue while pushing forward policies that threaten the financial survival of thousands of self-employed drivers.

“Taxi drivers feel they are being driven into an economic dead end,” union president Thymios Lymperopoulos said in statements to public broadcasters, criticizing what he described as a lack of realistic planning in transport reforms.

Key Demands from the Taxi Sector

The striking drivers are calling for a comprehensive revision of transport policy, including:

• Postponing the mandatory transition to electric taxis until 2035, supported by a realistic and financially viable roadmap
• Clear legal separation between taxi services and chauffeur-driven rental vehicles (VTC), arguing that point-to-point passenger transport should remain the exclusive role of licensed taxis
• Permission for occupied taxis to use bus-only lanes to improve urban mobility
• Fairer tax treatment for taxi drivers, many of whom operate as independent professionals

Electric Vehicle Transition at the Center of the Dispute

The planned shift toward electric taxis has emerged as the most contentious issue. While authorities argue that electric vehicles lower operating costs and emissions, taxi drivers dispute these claims.

Union representatives say rising electricity prices have increased the cost per kilometer for drivers. They also highlight high insurance premiums for electric vehicles, limited charging infrastructure, and the extremely high cost of battery replacement - expenses that many drivers say they cannot absorb.

Concerns have also been raised about vehicle downtime during charging and the lack of fast-charging stations suitable for professional, high-mileage use.

European Context and Policy Comparisons

Lymperopoulos pointed to recent developments in other European Union countries, where governments have delayed mandatory zero-emission vehicle targets due to infrastructure gaps and market readiness issues.

According to the union, Greece risks implementing policies faster than its infrastructure can support, placing an unfair burden on small transport operators compared to larger fleet-based mobility platforms.

What This Means for Travelers and Residents

Rolling 48-hour strikes are expected to cause intermittent but severe taxi shortages. Travelers may face difficulties reaching airports, ferry ports, and hotels, particularly during early morning and late-night hours.

Authorities are advising residents and visitors to rely on public transportation, ridesharing alternatives, and pre-arranged transfers where available. Travelers heading to or from Greece during the strike period are encouraged to monitor local transport updates closely.

This article will be updated as new decisions and participation levels are confirmed.