Delays in European Aid to Greece Raise Questions about Efficient Use of Funds

Strategic Insights -

The devastating floods in Thessaly in September 2023 prompted the European Commission to approve significant financial support to Greece, aiming to relieve those affected and restore agricultural and livestock activity. However, delays in the payment of compensation to affected farmers have raised questions about the efficient and timely use of European funds. The Greek authorities have been criticized for their slow response in informing the Commission about the progress and reasons for the delays.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission approved EUR 43 million through the agricultural reserve for direct compensation to farmers and livestock farmers, EUR 101.5 million through the EU Solidarity Fund, and full coverage of damages to livestock and facilities.
  • The payment of compensation to affected farmers has been hindered by significant delays, with the 2nd equal instalment of just EUR 12.7 million being paid in March 2024.
  • The Greek authorities have failed to keep the Commission informed about the progress and reasons for the delays in the payment of compensation.
  • The Commission is monitoring the implementation of the relevant support measures but has not stated whether it intends to request that the procedures be accelerated.
  • The Greek Minister of Rural Development has stated that the damages to livestock and facilities are being covered in full.

Statistics:

  • EUR 43 million was approved through the agricultural reserve for direct compensation to farmers and livestock farmers.
  • EUR 101.5 million was approved through the EU Solidarity Fund.
  • EUR 25.3 million was approved as an advance payment in January 2024.
  • EUR 12.7 million was paid as the 2nd equal instalment in March 2024.
  • The total amount of EU aid approved for Greece in response to the floods is EUR 144.5 million (EUR 43 million + EUR 101.5 million).

Sources:

  • European Parliament Question for written answer E-001985/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)
  • https://www.globaltradealert.org/state-act/83177/greece-european-commission-approves-compensation-package-for-farmers
  • https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1247120/e101-5-mln-in-eu-aid-for-thessaly/
  • https://www.archyde.com/thessaly-12-7-million-euros-were-paid-to-farmers-and-breeders-2024-03-25-215834/
  • European Parliament Question for written answer E-001985/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI) (18.4.2025)