The European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Athens announced on Wednesday it has filed indictments against 100 people suspected of agricultural subsidy fraud, for an overall damage of 2.9 million euros to the European Union’s budget.
Three indictments filed in the past months follow investigations into schemes to defraud the EU of subsidies for the use of pastureland. If found guilty, the suspects face up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine.
Between 2017 and 2020, stockbreeders, mainly from Crete, successfully applied to EU agricultural funds destined to help the sector, paid by OPEKEPE, the Greek body responsible for the management of the funds from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
Greeks indicted in the agricultural subsidy fraud
According to the investigation, the Greek suspects submitted false declarations of ownership or falsified lease contracts of plots of land which in reality they did not own or had not leased. The majority of the suspects lived in different parts of the country from what they had declared in their applications.
Sixty-four individuals, 56 suspected perpetrators, and eight charged as accomplices were indicted on 18 February this year, in a case scheduled to be heard before court on 16 May.
Another 22 individuals, 16 suspected perpetrators and six accomplices, were indicted in January 2025, and will face trial on 24 March 2025.
Finally, 14 other suspects, eight charged as perpetrators and six as accomplices, were charged last year. Their trial is scheduled for 30 May.
According to Politico, which first reported on the story, under investigation is how the scheme was set up, as well as the possible involvement of state authorities, in particular people working at OPEKEPE.
The investigations were supported by Greece’s Financial Crimes Prosecution Department of the Hellenic Police’s Directorate for Combating Organised Crime.
Greek farmers have benefited from EU agricultural subsidies
EU agricultural subsidies are financial aids provided by the European Union to support farmers and rural development across member states. These subsidies are aimed at ensuring food security, promoting sustainable farming practices, and maintaining the economic viability of agricultural sectors within the EU.
Greek farmers have significantly benefited from EU agricultural subsidies, primarily through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). These subsidies have provided financial support to help sustain Greek agriculture, modernize farming practices, and improve rural development.
A large portion of CAP funds go directly to farmers, helping stabilize their income. Greek farmers, particularly in the olive oil, cotton and livestock sectors, have received substantial direct payments.
Funds have been allocated to modernize farming equipment, improve irrigation systems, and develop agri-tourism. Investments in infrastructure have boosted rural communities, reducing unemployment and improving living conditions.
Greek agricultural cooperatives have received EU funding to adopt new technologies and improve efficiency. Small and medium-sized farms have gained access to training programs and financial aid to compete in European and global markets.
Despite these benefits, there have been challenges, including dependency on subsidies, bureaucratic hurdles, and the need for further modernization. However, CAP has undeniably played a key role in sustaining Greek agriculture and rural economies.
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