Tsiaras: Action Plan 2 for OPEKEPE Approved – Payments Proceeding

The European Commission has approved Action Plan 2 for OPEKEPE, paving the way for farmer payments, as announced by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras.

By the end of November, 70% of the basic subsidy, which can reach up to 550 million euros, is expected to be paid. Priority is given to the payment of Measure 23, amounting to 178 million euros. The eight unpaid programs will follow by the end of the year, and for the first time, damages for disasters within the year will be paid by ELGA.

The extraordinary aid to livestock farmers whose animals have been killed due to epizootic diseases is expected to be paid within 2025, and the payment of the basic subsidy will follow.

Mr. Tsiaras attributed the delay in payments to the need to streamline the payment system and strengthen cross-checks.

From January 1, 2026, OPEKEPE will be integrated into AADE, following a relevant legislative regulation to be approved by Parliament in December.

Regarding sheep and goat pox, 48 million euros have already been paid for compensation for dead animals, and an additional 30 million euros have been approved, as well as 44 million euros for animal feed. The payment of the emergency aid for livestock farmers who have lost their animals is expected by the end of the year.