Responses to the present and future of OPEKEPE, the investigation of illegal aid and the digital reconstruction of the Organization was given by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tsiaras, speaking to ERT. At the same time, as announced, his platform opens today IACStwo months earlier than last year, marking – as he said – the acceleration of procedures and the transition in a new digital model with transparency and justice.

Minister made it clear that the judicial investigation into possible abuse of Community resources is found exclusively in its jurisdiction Prosecutorwhile at the same time the ministry is launching radical incisions to shield OPEKEPE and fully restore its credibility.

Mr. Tsiaras highlighted the institutional framework of the research, stressing: “There is a prosecutor’s office from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding whether some farmers and farmers have received illegal subsidies they are not entitled to. That is why the European Public Prosecutor’s Office is concerned – because they are European resources ». And added: “If some have taken money without being entitledis obliged to return them. If there are procedures that are heavy, then they will obviously be faced with criminal responsibilities. “

At the same time, the Minister pointed out the importance of the Organization for the proper distribution of aid: “OPEKEPE is certified by the European Commission and distributes more than 3 billion euros a year – 2.3 to 2.4 billion of them go to 680,000 different VAT. You understand size and responsibility. “

Despite the pathogens of the past, the minister assured that “There will be no issue in the payment of Community aid. But this function must move to another era – with complete transparency and absolute justice in the allocation of resources. “

Indeed, he added that today is expected to open the IACS while stressing that the Ministry’s aim is for payments not only in a shorter period of time but also with complete transparency, justice and implementation of European rules, so that only those who are entitled to be provided.

The Minister of Rural Development and Food analyzed the ministry’s plan to modernize it OPECEPEwhich includes the following steps:

  • The auction issues are completed for the shepherd’s contest.
  • There is an agreement with the Ministry of Labor and the DBA on the disposal of 100 additional scientists to strengthen the audit project. “
  • The new information system is preparing.

As for the removal of the former OPEKEP President, now Nikos salad acknowledged that at an administrative level “He did an excellent job”, but “the issue was the way he addressed the European Public Prosecutor’s Office – something that didn’t fit either the philosophy of the government, or the institutional way we seek to keep this relationship.”

Closing Mr. Tsiaras made it clear that “The responsibility is not simply attributed because someone said something public. It is rendered when there are real evidence. If they exist, then everyone – I do not exclude myself – is confronted with responsibility, politics and not only. “