Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has launched a task force to investigate a massive €290 million EU agricultural subsidy fraud involving fake farmers. The scandal, exposed by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, revealed that fraudulent claims were made over several years by individuals with no ties to farming, including fake landowners and livestock breeders. The state agency responsible for distributing the funds, OPEKEPE, has been dissolved, and five senior officials, including former agriculture minister Makis Voridis, have resigned.
Mitsotakis admitted government failures and vowed swift action, but the scandal has sparked public outrage, with over 74% of Greeks believing ministers were involved. Many false claims originated from Crete, the PM’s home region, adding to the political fallout. EU diplomats warn that the credibility of both the Greek government and its ability to manage EU funds is at stake.
Reference:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/30/greece-farming-fraud-subsidy-scandal-investigation
