The government’s absolute determination to fully resolve OPEKEPE and putting an end to the irregularities that were plaguing the organization, the Minister of Rural Development and Food said, the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tsiaras.
In an interview, the minister stressed that the disclosure of the entire grid of the pathogenesis is a minimal obligation to society, while criticizing the opposition for micro -political exploitation of such a serious issue.
The controls that have been carried out so far have already brought to light an extensive fraud. Specifically, they have been identified Over 49,000 fake certificates in ecological shapes, which correspond to more than 30,000 Tax Identification Numbers (VAT). Mr Tsiaras described this phenomenon as a deeply rooted pathogenesis that today’s leadership is determined to face.
To this end, OPEKEPE’s interconnection with the Independent Public Revenue Authority (AADE) is proceeded methodically, with the aim of creating a new operating framework characterized by absolute transparency and fair distribution of Community resources.
Delays of payments thanks to checks
The Minister admitted that the extensive cross -checks conducted at all levels – from the Reception Centers (CYD) and the certification organizations to the farmers themselves – would bring about Delay about a month and a half in payments related to organic farming and livestock farming.
However, he made it clear that this delay is necessary to ensure that payments are made in terms of absolute legitimacy. “The beneficiaries will not lose their money,” he assured, explaining that the decision not to make payments in late June was consciously taken to precede a thorough investigation in cooperation with the Financial Police and AADE. The aim is to identify those who received illegal money and return it, while protecting producers who are real beneficiaries.
The new CAP is not affected
In closing, Mr. Tsiaras assured that the OPECEPE case will have no negative impact on resources Greece will receive from the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). He also cited the relevant confirmation by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Layen, stressing that the country would continue to receive the amounts it is entitled to.