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Greece livestock subsidy scandal involves non-existent animals
An investigation by Politico has revealed a major scandal involving Greek livestock farmers allegedly claiming European Union subsidies for tens of thousands of non-existent animals in 2024.
Data discrepancies show a significant gap between official statistics and subsidy claims. While the Greek statistical agency, ELSTAT, reports a shrinking national cattle herd—dropping from 640,000 in 2023 to a projected 520,000 by 2025—the Ministry of Agriculture recorded subsidies for approximately 260,000 dairy cows. This discrepancy suggests the herd should have grown by roughly 70,000 animals rather than declined. A similar gap exists in small ruminants, where ministry records show 15.7 million animals compared to ELSTAT’s 8.8 million.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is investigating the matter, focusing on potential organized crime involving veterinarians, OPKEKE officials, and political figures. In one instance, charges were brought against 22 individuals, including four members of the ruling New Democracy party.
In response, Agriculture Minister Margaritis Schinas has promised a new era of transparency and stricter controls. The Greek government is implementing an action plan with the EU, including the testing of an electronic identification system for sheep and goats using rumen capsules to prevent future fraud.
Entities
ELSTAT · European Public Prosecutor's Office · Greece · Hellenic Statistical Authority · Margaritis Schinas · New Democracy · OPKEKE · OPKEPE
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Greek authorities are introducing an electronic identification system for small ruminants using rumen capsules to prevent abuse. racin.mk
- [● 5 SOURCES] EU subsidies were paid for approximately 260,000 dairy cows in 2024. www.dimokratia.gr · lider.mk · racin.mk · www.capital.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Agriculture Minister Margaritis Schinas stated that Greek livestock farming is entering a new era of transparency and rules. lider.mk · www.capital.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The national cattle herd shrank from 640,000 in 2023 to 600,000 in 2024 and 520,000 in 2025. www.dimokratia.gr · racin.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] ELSTAT recorded 8.8 million sheep and goats, while the ministry's electronic system showed 15.7 million. www.dimokratia.gr · racin.mk
- [● 5 SOURCES] Greek livestock farmers allegedly received EU subsidies for tens of thousands of non-existent animals in 2024. www.dimokratia.gr · lider.mk · racin.mk · www.capital.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) is investigating the case. www.dimokratia.gr · racin.mk · www.ieidiseis.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The EPPO has brought charges against 22 individuals, including four MPs from the New Democracy party, regarding fraud. racin.mk