Payment of reduced compensatory allowance for 2014 to Greek stockbreeders
| 26 January 2015 |
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| Question for written answer to the Commission Rule 130 Notis Marias (ECR) |
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On 20 August 2014, I submitted a written question to the Commission on ‘Protests by Greek stockbreeders at reduced compensation payments for 2013’.
Since then, the situation has not only not improved, but has become worse, so that a few days ago thousands of Greek stockbreeders staged a mass demonstration across Greece in protest at the fact that the compensatory allowance for 2014 had also been drastically reduced.
At the same time, it should be noted that many of these stockbreeders have still not been paid their compensation payment for 2013.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:
| 1. | Is it aware of the drastic reduction in the compensatory allowance paid to Greek stockbrokers in 2014? |
| 2. | What measures will it take, firstly, to put right the fresh injustice inflicted on Greek stockbreeders, who have in any case been reduced to penury by the ‘Memorandum’, through the payment of a reduced compensatory allowance for 2014 and, secondly, to ensure that the Ministry of Agriculture and the Organisation for Payments and the Control of Community Guarantee and Guidance Aid (Opekepe) correctly apply the relevant provisions of EC law? |
Source: European Parliament
Answer given by Mr Hogan on behalf of the Commission
The Commission would point out that this question refers to the same matter as the Honourable Member’s previous Written Question E-006317/2014, namely to the reduction and the delays in the payment of the compensatory allowances for 2013.
As was explained in our reply to that question, the definition of permanent pasture in the Greek support system was not in compliance with the Commission rules as defined in Art.2(c) of Commission Regulation (EC) 1120/2009(1). Consequently the Greek authorities adjusted the definition (Regulation 4264/2014, amending the definition of permanent pasture, Government Gazette of Greece (ΦΕΚ) 118A-05.15.2014,) and the Organisation for Payments and the Control of Community Guarantee and Guidance Aid (Opekepe) has updated the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS).
This led to a reduction of eligible grassland that resulted in a reduction of the compensatory allowance payments.
For further details related to the payment of the compensatory allowances, including delays in payments, the Commission would like to invite you to contact Opekepe which has been designated, under the shared management rules, by the Greek authorities as the Paying Agency responsible for the payment of the assistance under the Rural Development Programme.
Source: European Parliament
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