Greece, EU to Fast-Track OPEKEPE absorption by AADE
Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis held talks on Thursday with European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, regarding the future of the Greek agricultural payments agency OPEKEPE, which is set to be integrated into the country’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
According to AMNA, the move follows concerns over OPEKEPE's mismanagement of EU agricultural funds. According to Hatzidakis, the government is committed to ending irregularities and ensuring transparency in the distribution of agricultural subsidies. He emphasized Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ pledge to carry out the agency’s absorption swiftly and without delays to farmer payments.
The transition will take place as soon as enabling legislation is passed in the Greek Parliament. Hatzidakis stated that Greek institutions — including the Ministry of National Economy & Finance, the Ministry of Rural Development & Food, and AADE — are ready to begin close coordination with EU officials immediately.
Commissioner Hansen confirmed that the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) would collaborate regularly with Greek authorities to ensure the process meets EU compliance standards and proceeds according to the agreed timetable.
The two sides are expected to meet again in the coming week to launch the joint implementation plan.
