Marine Institute alleges EU fisheries funds diverted to unrelated businesses

The Institute of Marine Protection “Archipelago” has reported that a large share of EU funding allocated under the Greek Fisheries and Sea Operational Programme was redirected to projects unrelated to the fishing sector, including luxury tourist accommodations, recreational vessels, cafés, veterinary clinics and even a lunapark. The institute submitted a criminal complaint to the European Public Prosecutor, accusing authorities of systematic fraud and abuse of EU resources.

An analysis of official data from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and regional development agencies revealed numerous grants to entities with no evident connection to fisheries. The ministry’s general secretary, Spiros Protopaltes, has contested the allegation, stating that funding a restaurant or a tourist lodge does not automatically constitute a violation. He said the ministry must clarify why these recipients, who are not fishermen, were selected. The European Prosecutor’s Office is expected to examine the legality of the grant calls and the allocation procedures.