WRITTEN QUESTION E-0466/02 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Assessment of the operation of the EAGGF paying agency in Greece.
Date: 2002-02-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EAGGF, EU aid, EU financing, Greece, common agricultural policy, management audit, payment

C 172 E/200

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.7.2002

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 April 2002)

The Commission is aware of the difficulties in implementing the long-term set-aside programme in Greece
under Council Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92 of 30 June 1992 on agricultural production methods
compatible with the requirements of the protection of the environment and the maintenance of the
countryside (1). On 9 January 2002 it sent a letter to the Greek authorities asking for full checks on all the
beneficiaries and a detailed report on the matter,
including information on any penalties imposed or
planned. The Commission also intends to make its own inspection visit.

(1) OJ L 215, 30.7.1992.

(2002/C 172 E/213)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0466/02

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(22 February 2002)

Subject: Assessment of the operation of the EAGGF paying agency in Greece

In September 2001 it was announced that the new agency for paying and controlling Community
guidance and guarantee aid in Greece (Opekepe) was beginning work and replacing the Paying Agency
accredited hitherto (Gedidagep).

Given the problems that have arisen in the current period in almost all the spheres of responsibility of the
Opekepe (delays in the payment of aid, mistakes and omissions in the IACS (Integrated Administration and
Control System), arbitrary interpretations in implementing the regulations, etc.) which have caused great
confusion and exasperated Greek producers and stock breeders and also raised questions about the
credibility of controls, will the Commission say: has any assessment been carried out concerning the
operation of the Opekepe so far? Have the Commission services investigated whether the accreditation
criteria and, more generally, all the conditions provided for in Regulation (EC) 1663/95 (1) have been met?

(1) OJ L 158, 8.7.1995, p. 6.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(19 March 2002)

Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1258/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the financing of the common
agricultural policy (1) makes clear that Member States are responsible for accrediting paying agencies. The
Commission is only informed of the decisions of the Member States.

Nevertheless, the Commission has closely followed the developments in Greece, and the establishment of a
new paying agency, Opekepe,
in September 2001. It carried out an evaluation of the respect of the
accreditation criteria by this paying agency in November 2001. This evaluation identified a number of
positive points, but also noted that many weaknesses remained, both in the organisation of the paying
agency and in the overall control system in Greece.

The Commission is continuing to monitor the situation closely. It will work constructively with the Greek
authorities to try to ensure that the positive efforts noted continue and come to fruition. However, at the
same time, it will protect the financial interests of the Community by proposing financial corrections
wherever it identifies a risk of loss to the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund. Such
financial corrections have in the case of Greece totalled € 610 million since 1995.

(1) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.