EU Reinstates Accreditation for Greece’s Paying Agency
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The European Commission has reinstated the accreditation of Greece’s Paying Agency, now operating as the Directorate General for Controls, Aid and Payments (GDELEP) under the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). The decision follows an on site audit carried out by DG AGRI between June 2 and 5, 2026, assessing Greece’s implementation of its Action Plan for the period September 2024 to March 2026.
DG AGRI’s report highlights significant improvements in the agency’s operational capacity. The Commission notes the expansion of permanent staff positions to 775 and the planned recruitment of 230 additional employees, with the intention of making these posts permanent. It also acknowledges the completion of the appointment process for the new Director General, the establishment of a functioning conflict of interest management framework, and the development of an anti fraud strategy supported by a dedicated Risk Management Team.
The audit further reviewed the structural integration of Greece’s former Paying Agency, OPEKEPE, into AADE — a merger that DG AGRI confirmed was completed smoothly and without issues requiring recommendations or corrective actions. The Commission considers the transition fully aligned with EU requirements for management and control systems.
Despite the positive evaluation, DG AGRI calls for continued efforts, particularly in ensuring timely data provision to the Certification Body, completing the staffing process, strengthening oversight of delegated bodies, and fully embedding the new risk management framework into the national Management and Control System.
The reinstatement of accreditation marks a key milestone for Greece’s agricultural payment architecture, reinforcing compliance with EU standards and strengthening the reliability of aid disbursement mechanisms.
