Greece investigates 2,900 cases, prosecutes 1,151 over farm subsidies

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reported significant progress in reforming the agricultural sector, emphasizing the success of recent measures and the timely disbursement of funds. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Mitsotakis announced that 617 million euros in payments were made to 530,000 farmers, surpassing initial targets. He also noted that an additional 60 million euros are expected for Pillar II payments.

“

I want to sincerely congratulate the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Rural Development, and the Governor of AADE for being absolutely consistent with the commitments we undertook. Payments of 617 million euros were made yesterday to 530,000 farmers. Above the initial target. We expect payments of about 60 million euros today for Pillar II.

The Prime Minister asserted that these payments, deemed reliable by producers, validate the reform of transferring the responsibilities of the Organization for Centralization of Agricultural Product and Control (OPEKEPE) to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). He described the reform as "necessary" and highlighted the "titanic effort" to ensure payments were made on time.

Mitsotakis also addressed issues of transparency and accountability, stating that those who acted unlawfully are being held accountable. He revealed that 2,900 cases are under investigation, 1,151 prosecutions have been launched, and five criminal organizations have been dismantled. "This is the best answer to those who questioned the correctness of the reform," he added, reminding that only the New Democracy party voted for this initiative.

“

Those who acted unlawfully are being held accountable by Justice, on the initiative of this government and the national authorities.

Looking ahead, Mitsotakis expressed confidence that within a year, Greece will possess one of Europe's most advanced agricultural subsidy systems, incorporating digital and technological tools. He mentioned the integration of animal tracking technology to enhance transparency and reliability. While acknowledging the difficulty of the process, he assured that the "vast majority of honest farmers and stockbreeders have every reason to be satisfied."

“

In a year's time, with the completion of the digital and technological tools being developed, the country will have one of the most advanced agricultural subsidy payment systems in Europe.