EU warns Greece of losing farm subsidies unless payment system is tightened
The European Commission has cautioned Greece that its agricultural grants could be cut if the country does not further tighten its EU fund distribution system.
In a detailed assessment, the European Commission’s agriculture directorate warned that Greece risks losing a portion of its EU farm subsidies unless the country imposes stricter controls on how the funds are allocated. The criticism follows Greece’s closure of OPEKEPE, the state payments body at the centre of a fraud scandal involving fictitious farmers. The 40-page report argues that the recent payment-system overhaul does not fully satisfy EU requirements and cites continued breaches of both European and Greek regulations, especially regarding livestock, grazing land and organic agriculture subsidies.
The Commission reserves the right to propose that some of the currently financed expenditures be barred from EU funding. While the Commission’s spokesperson said the opinion is not final and cooperation with Greek authorities remains constructive, Greek officials declined to comment. Meanwhile, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office is pursuing dozens of cases against Greek farmers and former senior officials accused of obtaining unjustified payments.
Why it matters
Greek farmers could lose EU money, affecting rural economies and EU budget compliance.
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