The transition of OPEKEPE to AADE will substantially contribute to restoring credibility in the management of European funds, government sources announce, while the bill for the Organization’s transition to the Independent Authority has been put to public consultation. “The transition of OPEKEPE to AADE is a significant reform that sends the message that we are determined to bring order to agricultural subsidies. AADE has undisputed guarantees of effectiveness. We work daily to ensure this reform becomes reality,” emphasized Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis. Regarding the three significant changes included in the relevant bill, AADE assumes the role of Paying Agency, the entire OPEKEPE staff transfers to AADE, while procedures for returning undue subsidy payments from the Special Account for Agricultural Product Guarantees are modernized and strengthened.
AADE: Three major changes planned for OPEKEPE
Three major changes to the agricultural subsidy payment mechanism are introduced by the bill from the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, which includes OPEKEPE’s transition to AADE and was put to public consultation yesterday evening. From January 1, 2026, AADE assumes the role of Paying Agency along with all OPEKEPE’s competencies and accreditations, while staff transfers to the Authority with a three-year movement prohibition. Additionally, the framework for returning subsidies paid illegally or unduely is completely modernized. The goal is for the bill to be voted by Parliament before the Christmas recess.
OPEKEPE’s transition to AADE will substantially contribute to restoring credibility in managing European funds. It’s noted that the transition fully responds to European Commission observations for a modern and effective paying agency, as AADE operated successfully as a payment body during the pandemic, has increased capacity for conducting strict controls, and strong digital infrastructure and IT systems background.
Hatzidakis: Our goal is to support the primary sector
Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis stated: “OPEKEPE’s transition to AADE is a significant reform that sends the message we are determined to bring order to agricultural subsidies. AADE has undisputed effectiveness guarantees. We work daily to ensure this reform becomes reality. Combined with implementing the Action Plan approved last week by the Commission, we create from 2026 an absolutely modern and reliable system for agricultural aid payments. Our goal is to support the primary sector as much as possible. Especially honest farmers and livestock breeders, who will receive more money due to resources that will be saved and redistributed to them.”
Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis stated: “The government takes a decisive step today to change decades-old pathologies. By transferring OPEKEPE to AADE, we create a support system operating with rules, transparency and absolute respect for Greek farmers.
We build a mechanism responding to today’s needs. AADE has proven operational adequacy, modern equipment, digital infrastructures and an effectiveness culture that has earned citizens’ trust. It has shown it can operate with speed, integrity and consistency – exactly what the agricultural world needs.
We want a state that doesn’t create problems for citizens but operates with consistency, transparency and seriousness. This reform is part of a broader effort to make the Public sector truly effective and modern, as Greek society deserves.”
Tsiaras: OPEKEPE’s transition to AADE represents a deep institutional break
Minister of Rural Development and Food Kostas Tsiaras stated: “OPEKEPE’s transition to AADE represents a deep institutional break aimed at ensuring transparency, speed and reliability for every euro directed to our farmers. With the new framework, we create a payment mechanism fully meeting European Commission requirements and protecting the country against chronic pathologies.
AADE has the expertise, systems and guarantees required for a modern control environment, while ensuring OPEKEPE staff continuity guarantees payments will continue uninterrupted. The government implements a reform concerning not only OPEKEPE’s operation but mainly producer trust in the state. Support will now be given cleanly, fairly and effectively, fully harmonized with EU rules, to truly support those keeping the Greek countryside alive.”
Independent Authority for Public Revenue Governor Georgios Pitsilis stated: “OPEKEPE’s transition to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue represents another major challenge for us at AADE. Our main goal is to effectively integrate OPEKEPE’s people and functions into AADE’s principles, benefiting both farmers and all citizens. Our objective: every euro goes exclusively to those truly entitled to it, protecting European and Greek taxpayers’ money and building from scratch a new trust relationship in agricultural support.”
The OPEKEPE bill
Specifically, the bill provides:
1) Transfer of OPEKEPE competencies to AADE
AADE assumes the Paying Agency role for all Common Agricultural Policy support. From January 1, 2026, all assets, information systems, ongoing contracts and pending lawsuits transfer to AADE. Additionally, all OPEKEPE accreditations automatically transfer to AADE, ensuring no payment interruption. Strategic CAP planning issues are excluded from the AADE transition and will remain under Ministry of Rural Development and Food competency.
2) Staff transfer and three-year movement prohibition
All OPEKEPE staff transfers to AADE without employment relationship changes. Existing salary scales are maintained until new classification completion. A prohibition on participating in commercial companies is established, plus a three-year prohibition on movements to other bodies or within AADE, ensuring the new payment mechanism can operate effectively without losing critical personnel.
3) Modernization of illegal and undue payment recovery mechanism
Procedures for returning undue payments from the Special Account for Agricultural Product Guarantees (ELEGEP) are modernized and strengthened. Digital notification of relevant acts is established and certification and offsetting procedures are updated to align with the Authority’s new operating model. AADE acts now constitute enforceable titles for Account debt collection, ensuring effective operation.
