The European Union has formally warned Greece that it risks losing access to critical agricultural subsidies unless it submits a revised and more robust plan to combat subsidy fraud by October 2.
This follows a major scandal involving fraudulent claims for EU farm payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which accounts for roughly one-third of the EU’s total budget.
The fraud involved individuals receiving funds for pastureland they did not own or lease, or for farming activities they did not perform, as a result depriving legitimate farmers of financial support. The case, first reported by POLITICO in February 2025, has led to the resignation of several Greek ministers and deputy ministers. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is conducting an ongoing investigation.
In response, Greece submitted an action plan to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture (DG AGRI), but the plan was rejected for failing to meet EU standards and adequately address systemic deficiencies.
DG AGRI has made it clear that if Greece does not submit a revised plan by the deadline, the Commission may suspend monthly or interim payments. Greek Agriculture Minister Konstantinos Tsiaras has stated that a new plan is being prepared and reassured farmers that EU funds are not at risk.
He also announced that OPEKEPE is being integrated into the Independent Authority for Public Revenue to improve verification and cross-checking of property records before payments are issued.
Meanwhile, political tensions have escalated.
Greece’s parliament has launched an investigation into the OPEKEPE scandal, with opposition parties accusing the ruling New Democracy party of obstructing the process.