While the ongoing scandal involving illegal agricultural subsidies managed by Greece’s Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid (OPEKEPE) has already triggered public outrage and political tension, it may prove to be just the beginning. According to Greek media, dozens of new investigative files have been opened, revealing what could amount to systemic abuse of European financial instruments.

A Surge of Cases Under Scrutiny

The Greek branch of EPPO, led by prosecutor Nikolaos Paschalis under the direction of European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi, is currently handling a large volume of complaints concerning the use and potential mismanagement of EU funds. These extend far beyond agricultural subsidies, encompassing a wide range of European financing tools, including the European Structural and Investment Funds (commonly known in Greece as ESPA) and the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

Sources suggest that many of these cases are still in early investigative stages, with a major report on the OPEKEPE case expected by September. However, no additional ministers have yet been implicated in that case — “at least for now and barring unforeseen developments,” insiders say — though involvement of other Members of Parliament has not been ruled out.

Growing Political and Judicial Ramifications

What is increasingly evident is the sheer scale of the investigations. Greek EPPO prosecutors are currently examining dozens of files concerning EU financial support for numerous economic activities. These include fresh probes into funding programs administered by national authorities, as well as EU recovery funds allocated to support post-pandemic economic revitalization.

Notably, some investigations are also touching on Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) — the national tax authority — in specific cases under review by the European prosecutors.

The stated objective going forward, according to sources familiar with the process, is for all EU funding to be subject to strict scrutiny. This signals a broader shift in enforcement, with EPPO expected to play an increasingly active role in ensuring financial transparency across all member states.

Institutional Cooperation Underway

Greek national enforcement bodies are already assisting the investigations. The Economic Police, the Internal Affairs division of the Hellenic Police (particularly in corruption-related cases), and the Police’s Criminal Investigations Division are among the domestic agencies contributing to EPPO’s efforts.

Yet it’s important to note that EPPO’s mandate only covers EU-related financial crimes occurring after its establishment in 2019. This limitation addresses claims that the timing and scope of the investigations might be politically motivated, as no cases predating that year fall under the European prosecutors’ jurisdiction.