The Greek government is moving forward with a major overhaul of OPEKEPE, the agency responsible for agricultural subsidies, aiming to ensure timely payments, enhanced transparency, and protection of taxpayers’ funds.
Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis announced after a meeting with Minister of Rural Development Kostas Tsiaras and AADE Director George Pitsilis that basic subsidy and Measure 23 payments are expected by the end of November.
Key points of the reform:
- Integration into AADE: Strengthens oversight and ensures payments reach legitimate beneficiaries.
- New farmer incentive system: Productive farmers and livestock breeders contributing to the local economy will receive timely payments.
- Full accounting audits: Any financial irregularities will be addressed immediately, with leadership changes as needed.
- Transparency and fairness: Protects Greek and EU taxpayers’ money while minimizing delays and mismanagement.
- Updated compliance criteria: Aligns with European Commission rules to avoid penalties and ensure proper subsidy allocation.
Minister Tsiaras called the effort “difficult but essential,” signaling a new era of transparency and accountability in Greek agriculture.
AADE Director Pitsilis emphasized the dual goal: timely payments according to strict deadlines while ensuring subsidies go to those who truly qualify.
Analysis: The reform comes at a critical time for Greek agriculture, where delays and bureaucratic hurdles have strained farmers and rural economies. Integrating OPEKEPE into AADE represents a strategic modernization of the system. Strict compliance standards and auditing aim to prevent the inefficiencies and misuse seen in past years.
Farmers who meet the criteria will benefit from prompt payments, while the government mitigates legal and financial risks from EU penalties. The challenge is to implement the reforms without delays, amid heightened demands for transparency and accountability.
Greek agriculture is entering a new phase. The success of this reform will not only determine the liquidity of farmers and the effectiveness of subsidies but also reinforce the government’s credibility with citizens and European institutions.
Source: pagenews.gr