While Greek public opinion was sidelined, an institutional crime was committed in Brussels on Friday, January 9, 2026. Through an insidious maneuver—and under pressure from Berlin—Greek Feta was handed over to the giants of Latin America (Mercosur), bypassing all democratic procedures.

The Secret Removal of the Protection Clause

According to reports by the reputable Paris-based journalist Maria Denaxa, a vital protection clause was surreptitiously removed under pressure from Germany and with the acquiescence of the current EU Presidency. This clause would have prevented the agreement from entering into force prior to its approval by the European Parliament. Instead, a so-called “fast-track” procedure was adopted to serve the interests of the German automotive industry, which seeks unrestricted access to South American markets at any cost—even if that cost is the destruction of Greece’s primary sector.

The “Grandfathering” Trap: Legalizing the Theft

The agreement includes the devastating “grandfathering” clause. This provision allows Latin American companies (such as Brazil’s Tirolez or Vigor) to continue using the name “Feta” for their products, provided they can demonstrate prior use for at least seven years.

The reality: This effectively legalizes the international theft of our national name.
The result: Authentic Greek Feta—produced exclusively from sheep’s and goat’s milk under strict PDO standards—will be forced to compete on the same shelves with industrial cow-milk imitations that will now legally bear the same name.

The “Split Agreement” Maneuver: Bypassing the Hellenic Parliament

To avoid the “inconvenience” of national opposition, Brussels employed a legal trick known as the “split agreement.” By separating the trade component of the deal from its political dimension, they ensured that the Greek Parliament would never have the opportunity to vote on or veto the agreement.

The trade component is classified as an “exclusive competence” of the EU.
As a result, the fate of Greek livestock farming was decided behind closed doors in Brussels—without a single vote by Greek MPs.

Systematic Deception Regarding “Safeguard Clauses”

The Greek government and certain Members of the European Parliament have attempted to placate public outrage by pointing to so-called “safeguard clauses” and “support funds.”

NIKI’s response: These clauses are nothing more than a fig leaf. They are triggered only in the event of total market collapse and are notoriously difficult to activate. No amount of one-off subsidies—such as the much-touted €1-billion fund—can compensate for the permanent loss of our brand name or the livelihoods of thousands of Greek farmers.

NIKI’s Position: National Resistance Now

NIKI refuses to remain a silent spectator to the sell-off of our national wealth. We demand:

The rejection of the Mercosur agreement by the European Parliament during the upcoming plenary session in Spring 2026.

The return of the agreement to national parliaments for ratification. No decision concerning our national products should be taken without the consent of the Greek people.

Absolute and unconditional protection of the name “FETA,” with no exceptions and no “grandfathering” periods for foreign usurpers.

Feta is Greece’s “White Gold.” Handing it over to serve Berlin’s industrial exports is not diplomacy—it is national capitulation. NIKI will fight at every level to overturn this coup.

Christodoulos Molyvas
Head of the Development and Investment Sector
NIKI Patriotic Movement