Greece faces the possible suspension of EU agricultural subsidies after the European Commission sent a formal warning demanding urgent reforms to the country’s farm payment system.
According to Greek media reports, the Commission has given the government until November 4 to submit a new action plan that includes strict conditions and oversight mechanisms. Failure to do so could block the disbursement of €600 million, the first tranche of 2025 farm payments.
The move follows revelations of widespread irregularities in subsidy claims, particularly concerning the inflated declaration of livestock numbers submitted to Greece’s agricultural payment agency, OPEKEPE.
New Rules for Subsidy Payments
Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras is expected to introduce a ministerial decision in the coming days, outlining new requirements for eligibility. These include:
- Grazing land declarations only in neighboring regional units
- A ban on island-based claims under certain schemes
- Verification of livestock numbers based on meat, milk, and feed invoices in 2025
- Mandatory animal tagging with digital chips by 2026
Current data show that while around 13 million livestock were declared in 2024, the actual number is estimated to be closer to five million, suggesting large-scale misuse of EU funds.
Possible Support for Farmers
Given the strain on the livestock sector, the government is reportedly considering a Christmas financial aid package for farmers most affected by the reforms.
