Sakis Arnaoutoglou questions EU Commission over Greek agricultural subsidy delays

European Parliament member Sakis Arnaoutoglou has submitted a formal inquiry to the European Commission regarding the delay in agricultural subsidies for Greek producers. Under EU Regulation 2026/1768, which took effect on July 22, 2026, member states have the option to provide advance direct aid payments of up to 75% before the traditional October 16 deadline to help farmers manage rising production costs.

Arnaoutoglou highlighted that while Italy utilized this provision by paying €577.8 million to its farmers starting July 26, Greece has faced delays. The Greek myAGRO platform for the 2026 Single Application for Support only became operational on August 4. Current projections from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) suggest that for applications submitted by September 15, advance payments may not be disbursed until October 31, with later applications potentially waiting until November 30.

The inquiry asks the European Commission whether Greek authorities have expressed intent to utilize the early payment mechanism and how the Commission plans to assist in ensuring necessary inspections are completed in time to provide timely liquidity to Greek farmers.