European Commission restores accreditation for Greek payment organization after 18 months

The European Commission has reinstated the accreditation of Greece's payment organization, which now operates as the General Directorate of Controls, Subsidies, and Payments (GDLEP) within the AADE. This decision marks the restoration of credibility for the country's agricultural payment system after an 18-month suspension.

The positive assessment is detailed in a letter of observations from the Directorate-General for Agriculture (DG AGRI), following an on-site inspection from June 2-5, 2026. The Commission recognized significant progress in reorganizing the former ELGA (Hellenic Organization for Agricultural Insurance) but called for continued reforms in critical areas such as staffing, risk management, and the supervision of authorized bodies.

Key improvements noted by the Commission include an increase in GDLEP's permanent positions to 775, with plans to hire 230 new employees, and the finalization of the selection process for a Director-General. The established framework for managing conflicts of interest and the development of an anti-fraud strategy were also positively reviewed. The Commission requested ongoing efforts in timely data provision, completing staffing, enhancing oversight of authorized bodies, and fully integrating the new risk management framework.

National Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis stated that the decision signifies the restoration of credibility for the Greek agricultural payment system, emphasizing accountability and modern processes. He described it as a vindication of efforts but stressed that the work continues to ensure timely, fair, and transparent payments to beneficiaries. Minister of Rural Development and Food, Lefteris Avgenakis, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency of restoring trust in the system.