EU prosecutors charge four Greek lawmakers over farm subsidy fraud

Four serving Greek MPs have been charged by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) over an alleged multimillion-euro fraud involving European Union farm subsidies.

In a statement on Thursday, the EPPO said the lawmakers were among 22 people indicted over offences allegedly committed in 2021.

The charges include abuse of trust, unlawful management of EU funds, false attestation and attempted computer fraud.

The investigation centres on claims that farmers falsely declared ownership of grazing land and exaggerated livestock numbers to obtain EU agricultural payments.

According to the EPPO, some subsidy recipients had no connection to farming. The European prosecutor estimates losses to the EU at more than €19.6 million, while Greek authorities have previously estimated damages of at least €23 million.

The EPPO also said it had dropped allegations against seven other MPs because of insufficient evidence. Additional investigations remain ongoing.

Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said the four MPs are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case has already led to ministerial resignations and fines imposed on Greece over the handling of agricultural subsidies between 2016 and 2023.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis criticised the EPPO on Thursday, saying: “in its way, it seems to be getting involved in domestic party competition”.

He also asked: “Who is going to apologise today for this wretchedness” that saw “honourable politicians” smeared.