A decision to abolish OPEKEPE and integrate its payment and control functions into the AADE was made during a meeting led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This meeting included the Government’s Vice President Costis Hatzidakis, Ministers Kyriakos Pierrakakis (National Economy and Finance), Kostas Tsiaras (Rural Development), Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister George Mylonakis, and AADE Governor George Pitsilis.
Following unsuccessful internal modernization efforts at OPEKEPE, the Government, in collaboration with the European Authorities, has taken steps to address existing issues. This initiative signals a new era for the Agricultural Support and Payments system, aiming to eliminate long-standing bad practices that have hindered farmers’ access to resources and opportunities.
The integration process will commence immediately, involving cooperation among the Ministries of Rural Development, National Economy and Finance, and the AADE, with oversight from the Vice President of the Government. The aim is to finalize the integration by the second half of 2026, with relevant legislation set to be introduced by July.
This legislative reform will enhance service to farmers while promoting transparency and accountability. It focuses on upgrading payment procedures, introducing new digital services, bolstering internal controls, ensuring interoperability between OPEKEPE and AADE systems, increasing physical inspections through modern digital tools, and standardizing and certifying processes.
Reports indicate that the decision to implement the reform via the AADE is due to the Authority’s independence and notable achievements in combating tax evasion. These factors are expected to promote transparency in transactions with the tax administration, ensuring a more effective system of agricultural subsidies and payments that benefits farmers, the primary sector, and the Greek economy as a whole.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
