The dismissed official headed OPEKEPE, the agency in Greece responsible for the disbursement of EU agricultural subsidies. European prosecutors have been investigating the agency for months, particularly concerning large-scale fraud in applications from companies on Crete.
Last week, raids were once again conducted at agricultural businesses in Greece. These inspections followed additional complaints filed by European prosecutors. The complaints regard the inadequate manner in which Greek authorities process and verify subsidy applications.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) is investigating whether there is organized fraud. The inquiry focuses on systematic errors in granting agricultural subsidies and possible collusion between local officials and applicants. This investigation is ongoing.
According to EPPO, a significant number of subsidies were paid out based on incomplete or incorrect information. There are suspicions that certain subsidies were granted for agricultural land that was not actually used or did not qualify. These suspicions have not yet been legally proven.
Greece has a complex administrative structure, with thousands of islands, of which more than two hundred are inhabited. As a result, many government services, including subsidy management, are organized locally. This decentralized approach makes central oversight difficult, multiple sources report.
Brussels has previously warned Greece about shortcomings in the subsidy system. In past years, fines have also been imposed due to irregularities. Now that the European prosecutor is directly involved in the case, additional pressure is placed on Athens to implement reforms.
While the dismissal of the top official seems to send a clear signal, it remains unclear what political or legal consequences this will have. So far, it has not been disclosed whether charges have been filed against specific individuals within OPEKEPE. The investigation is still ongoing.