The government is abolishing OPEKEPE, the Greek organization handling the payment of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy funds to Greek farmers, and incorporating it into the revenue service, it was made known on Tuesday. 

The decision was taken after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis that included Vice Premier Kostis Hatzidakis, the ministers of National Economy & Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis and of Rural Development & Food Kostas Tsiaras, Deputy to the Premier Giorgos Mylonakis and Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) George Pitsilis.

According to government sources, internal changes to upgrade OPEKEPE were not successful, and the government collaborated with the European authorities in an effort to create a transparent and comprehensive payment system that is friendly to farmers.

The functions related to payments and controls will pass on to AADE, where the staff of the former OPEKEPE will be transferred. The plan is the full integration into the internal revenue service by the second half of 2026. Relevant legislation will be tabled by July, government sources said.

"The message is clear: the system of agricultural subsidies and payments enters a new era, putting an end to bad practices and decades-long wrongs that deprived farmers who acted responsibly of funding and opportunities. The process will begin immediately, with the collaboration of the Ministries of Rural Development & Food, National Economy & Finance, and AADE, under the supervision of the deputy premier," the sources said.