“The intention of the government is those who have received illegal subsidies to return them,” as part of the overall effort to complete transparency in the management of European resources, commented by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tiaras, during the Conference “Greece 2025-2030”.

As the Minister pointed out, “the payment of compensation is in no way risking”, as the decision of OPEKEPE’s accession to AADE aims to create a new functional philosophy, under the supervision of an independent authority that has know -how, internal control mechanisms and a strong digital infrastructure.

“The Agency will continue to operate as a fourth management with a distinct role and mission, without changing anything in terms of producers’ rights,” Mr Tsiaras said, stressing that “we have to close every window in questioning the way European resources are distributed,” and added.

National and European Priority Supporting the primary sector

At the Conference, the Minister of Rural Development and Food, referred to the great opportunities and the complex challenges facing the primary sector in today’s era.

As he noted, “we are going through the most dynamic and demanding period for the primary sector”, due to the impact of climate crisis and changes in international markets. The minister, however, stressed that the primary sector is not only a productive industry, but a “pillar of social cohesion for Greece and Europe”. He also emphasized that the government is implementing a specific plan to substantially support the people of the countryside and production.

Mr Tsiaras announced the implementation of a “large national agricultural education program” with the aim of upgrading producers’ skills and enhancing the competitiveness of the sector. “Just yesterday we signed a Memorandum of Understanding between ELGO-DIMITRA and the Eugene Foundation to develop new educational potential,” he added. At the same time, the Minister of Rural Development and Food noted that the connection of knowledge to the production process is fundamental to the development of the sector, and particular emphasis is placed on processing, which “plays a decisive role in the final agricultural product”.

At the same time, he highlighted the importance of innovation, noting that they are undergoing dynamic programs for intelligent agriculture and technological upgrading of livestock farming, which are combined with manufacturing to provide greater goodwill to Greek products.

Referring to the debate on the new joint agricultural policy, the minister emphasized that it is “the most critical turning point for the design of the European primary sector”, as it is particularly important in attracting young people. As he said, “it is the top priority at European level and Greece is claiming an active role in this design.” At the same time, he said that the government is closely monitoring all the developments for the reorganization of European resources distribution, with a constant aim of enhancing agricultural production at national and European level.

On the issue of checks, Mr Tsiaras said that “this year’s Easter was added 12 additional points, such as tolls in Afidnes, the port of Heraklion, the central markets of Patras, Larissa, Volos, Heraklion, but also many points in the retail, Super Markets, Super Markets. A total of 92% more controls were made than 4,140 in 2024, 7,958 in 2025. ” As he noted, the Ministry activates all available mechanisms for the protection of consumers and producers from unfair competition and opacity in the origin of the products.