The case begins procedurally in September 2024, when, the Greek authorities decided to suspend the accreditation of the National Payment Organization, OPECEPE, which was about twelve months, which was to expire soon.

A spokesman for the Commission clarified that “at the request of the Greek authorities, we were currently prolonging suspension by six months, that is, until early March” with a basic purpose of sufficient time to “agree an action plan, part of which is a discussion of a possible transfer or incorporation of the OPEPE”. According to him, this issue of incorporation, that is, OPECEPE in the HRAD is part of the ongoing discussions between the two sides to address all issues concerning the organization.

The Commission considers, at the same time, sufficient time until October 2 in terms of updating the Action Plan, to address OPEKEPE deficiencies and which was judged by its competent management (DG AGRI) as inadequate.

Deadline by October 2

In a letter released on Thursday, DG AGRI asked Greece to submit a new plan by October 2, which should amend the action plan by involving details that will ensure that all the issues that have been found to be addressed.

According to a spokesman for the Commission, “so far, the Greek authorities have complied with what we have requested procedurally” and therefore, he estimates that there is no risk of suspension of subsidies, as “we have no reason to assume that the updated action plan will not arrive in time”.

Funds in the wrong hands

However, the dissatisfaction, which continues to cause OPECEPE’s issue in Brussels, appeared to dislike the Commission’s spokeswoman when he stressed that “it is clear, and to put it very simply, the farm funds have come to the wrong hands and that is definitely.”

Asked if the EU will receive the money paid wrong, he referred to the fine, which has already been imposed, recalling that a “compliance” decision was taken last June, and in particular, for Greece through which we “recovered about 500 million euros”.