Greece faces EU deadline over delayed farm subsidies
Greece has until November 4 to submit a revised action plan for the operation of the Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid (OPEKEPE), according to officials, as frustration grows within the agricultural sector over prolonged payment delays.
The agency has effectively suspended payments for the past three months, leaving €598 million in 2024 subsidies unpaid to farmers. The delays primarily impact advance payments under the Single Aid Scheme, typically distributed in October and valued at nearly €500 million.
A senior official from the Agriculture Ministry acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are trying to manage payments before the holidays. Otherwise, the problem will be very large.”
The European Commission initially set an October 2 deadline for the new action plan but granted an extension due to delays during the summer. EU authorities are demanding improved controls and full documentation before releasing any funds.
The unpaid subsidies include not only the Single Aid Scheme but also environmental and organic farming subsidies, disaster relief, and support programs for rare livestock breeds. The delay has left many farmers struggling to cover essential costs such as fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides.
