The “technical solution” will not be accepted from now on, as announced by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tsiarasending pasture statements away from the area of activity of breeder.
In interviews with SKAI and Action24, Mr Tsiaras explained that “the honest farmer is not to blame for delays or shadows in relation to the distribution of Community resources” and assured categorically that the aid would continue to be paid. “By the end of the month that is scheduled will be paid, and the connected to 30/6 will be given normally. So there is no such issue, “he said. Referring to the “technical solution” regime, the minister noted: “For this year there will be no possibility of any breeder grazing farmer away from his own place.
The “technical solution” agreed by the 2015 government with the European Commission predicted that one could declare pastures even far from the site of its facilities – for example, islands to declare pastures in mainland Greece. This was a “assumption” of the committee to raise European resources. But it does not mean that it had to continue to this day. The pasture maps had to be completed – something that is now happening. “
Mr Tsiaras clarified that the “technical solution” was temporarily implemented not to lose aid, but then “was not accompanied by the necessary reforms”, resulting in “serious suspicions and evidence of abuses, which are now being investigated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office”.
May and June payments
Asked about the possibility of closing OPEKEPE, Mr Tsiaras was categorical, stressing that he would continue to operate and pay aid to the producers, but noted the environment in which the organization would operate may be changed, as the YPATA is in discussions with the EU and the Commissioner of the Commissioner.
Always with the aim of better functioning the body and distributing the farmers of aid in the most fair way and in accordance with EU rules. “OPECEPE does not dissolve. It is an EU certified organization, which distributes huge sums. Its influence on Greek society is enormous and we must take it very seriously, “he said.
Asked whether or not farmers should be concerned about continuing the aid or not, the YPAT was categorical, saying that the aid would continue to be paid normally. “The payments will be done normally. This is the assurance we have from the OPECEPE service. By the end of May, the other linked aid will be paid and by 30/6 the other obligations arising from the Single Aid Request of 2024. So there is no such issue, “he said.
The three steps of Action Plan
In response to another question, he pointed out the need for a radical reform of the Organization: “Ophekepe should obviously go to another era. Absolute transparency and justice. That is why we have drawn up a plan with the European Commission – the so -called DG AGRI – to transfer the organization to a new reality, “he said.
The plan includes three basic interventions:
- In 18 months the country will have complete pasture maps. As he pointed out, “the auction issues are completed and we are going through the competition phase”.
- Strengthening the control mechanism. “We are in consultation with Mrs. Kerameos and Mr. Protopsalt so that OPEKEPE can be strengthened in June with 100 more people, to make controls with greater intensity and cohesion.”
- Acquisition of autonomous information system by the organization. “OPECEPE never had his own information system. It is inconceivable for an organization that distributes 3 billion euros a year – 2.3 to 2.4 billion of them to 680,000 beneficiaries. “
“OPECEPE’s problems have been recorded since its first day of operation. The pathogens were never treated virtually. Either because there were organic gaps, or because there had not been deeper controls. This is what we are changing now, “he explained.