Greece must submit a revised action plan for the operation of the Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid (OPEKEPE) by November 4, officials said, amid mounting concerns in the agricultural sector.
The agency has informally halted payments for three months, leaving 598 million euros owed to farmers for 2024 subsidies. Delays affect advance payments of the single aid scheme, normally disbursed in October, totaling nearly 500 million euros.
A senior Agriculture Ministry official said: “We are trying to manage payments before the holidays. Otherwise, the problem will be very large.” The European Commission had initially set an Octοber 2 deadline for a new plan, later extended after August delays.
EU authorities demand adequate controls and documentation before releasing funds. Pending payments include ecological and organic subsidies, disaster support, and programs for rare livestock breeds, straining farmers’ ability to purchase fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides.