Tag #Eu Funds

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politico.eu

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Aug 11, 10:14

Poland's EU Covid Funds Scandal: Transparency Backfires

Poland's attempt at transparency in its use of 1.2 billion złoty (€282.3 million) in EU Covid recovery funds backfired, revealing grants to a swingers' club, a pizzeria with a solarium, and vodka bars, sparking a political scandal and raising questions about government oversight.

Poland's EU Covid Funds Scandal: Transparency Backfires

Poland's attempt at transparency in its use of 1.2 billion złoty (€282.3 million) in EU Covid recovery funds backfired, revealing grants to a swingers' club, a pizzeria with a solarium, and vodka bars, sparking a political scandal and raising questions about government oversight.

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How did the Polish government's attempt at transparency backfire, and what are the broader implications for its relationship with the EU?

The scandal centers on Poland's use of EU Covid recovery funds, intended for hotels and restaurants. The online map revealed grants for yachts and other seemingly unrelated projects, which met the government's own rules allowing for 'diversification' spending. This has fueled criticism of the government's oversight.

kathimerini.gr

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Aug 5, 10:19

Greek Tourism Tender Excludes Local Firms, Raising Concerns

Greece's tourism promotion tender controversially excluded experienced Greek firms, benefiting multinational corporations despite Recovery Fund aims to support national resilience and SMEs; award-winning Greek companies were ineligible, raising concerns about the tender's criteria and effectiveness.

Greek Tourism Tender Excludes Local Firms, Raising Concerns

Greece's tourism promotion tender controversially excluded experienced Greek firms, benefiting multinational corporations despite Recovery Fund aims to support national resilience and SMEs; award-winning Greek companies were ineligible, raising concerns about the tender's criteria and effectiveness.

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Decent Work and Economic Growth

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What are the potential consequences of prioritizing multinational corporations over local firms with established expertise in the Greek tourism sector?

This decision undermines the Recovery Fund's goals by neglecting firms with deep knowledge of the Greek tourism market. The exclusion of experienced Greek companies jeopardizes the effectiveness of the campaign and potentially hinders Greece's re-establishment in the global tourism market.

kathimerini.gr

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Jul 25, 13:13

OPECPE's Dependence on Private Company Raises Concerns of Financial Irregularities

Former OPECPE IT head Panagiotis Theodoropoulos's March 2025 testimony to the EPPO detailed OPECPE's concerning dependence on Neuropublic, a private company, hindering cloud migration and potentially costing €300,000, raising concerns about transparency and financial irregularities within the organi...

OPECPE's Dependence on Private Company Raises Concerns of Financial Irregularities

Former OPECPE IT head Panagiotis Theodoropoulos's March 2025 testimony to the EPPO detailed OPECPE's concerning dependence on Neuropublic, a private company, hindering cloud migration and potentially costing €300,000, raising concerns about transparency and financial irregularities within the organi...

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What specific actions and consequences resulted from OPECPE's dependence on a private company for managing its data?

In March 2025, former head of Technical Controls and later IT at the Hellenic Organisation for the Payment of Rural Development (OPECPE), Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, testified before the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). His two testimonies, comprising several pages, were deemed highly significant, with excerpts included in PASOK's proposal for a pre-trial committee to investigate the scandal.

elmundo.es

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Jul 22, 01:10

Spain Awards Huawei Contract for Critical Infrastructure Despite Security Concerns

Spain's Ministry of Interior awarded Huawei a contract for hard drives to expand its border control system's storage capacity, raising security concerns due to Huawei's high-risk designation in the EU and a separate contract for judicial wiretap storage, despite passing Spanish security certificatio...

Spain Awards Huawei Contract for Critical Infrastructure Despite Security Concerns

Spain's Ministry of Interior awarded Huawei a contract for hard drives to expand its border control system's storage capacity, raising security concerns due to Huawei's high-risk designation in the EU and a separate contract for judicial wiretap storage, despite passing Spanish security certificatio...

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Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

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What are the immediate security implications of Spain's awarding of contracts to Huawei for critical infrastructure projects?

The Spanish Ministry of Interior awarded a contract to Huawei for 75 14-terabyte hard drives to expand the storage capacity of the National Police's border control system. This adds to a separate 12 million euro contract for judicial wiretap storage, raising security concerns due to Huawei's status as a high-risk vendor in the EU.

hu.euronews.com

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Jul 19, 22:09

EU's Mega-Fund Proposal Sparks Concerns Over Regional Funding Competition

The European Commission proposes a €865 billion mega-fund consolidating EU funds, including the Cohesion Fund, raising concerns about increased competition for resources and reduced local control, potentially exacerbating regional inequalities.

EU's Mega-Fund Proposal Sparks Concerns Over Regional Funding Competition

The European Commission proposes a €865 billion mega-fund consolidating EU funds, including the Cohesion Fund, raising concerns about increased competition for resources and reduced local control, potentially exacerbating regional inequalities.

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What are the immediate implications of consolidating the EU's Cohesion Fund with other funds into a single mega-fund?

The European Commission proposed a new budget consolidating various EU funds, including the Cohesion Fund, into a single mega-fund totaling €865 billion from 2028-2034. This shift from a locally-shared management model to a centralized, top-down approach raises concerns about intensified competition for resources among regions and sectors.

napoli.repubblica.it

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Jul 17, 16:16

Italian Regional Elections: Power Struggles and Delayed Nominations

The upcoming Italian regional elections are facing delays in candidate nominations, reflecting internal struggles within the center-left coalition and the significant power held by regional presidents in resource allocation, particularly in the South.

Italian Regional Elections: Power Struggles and Delayed Nominations

The upcoming Italian regional elections are facing delays in candidate nominations, reflecting internal struggles within the center-left coalition and the significant power held by regional presidents in resource allocation, particularly in the South.

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What are the primary challenges facing the center-left coalition in the upcoming Italian regional elections?

The upcoming regional elections in Italy are marked by delays in candidate selection and strategic maneuvering within the center-left coalition. The significant power held by regional presidents, particularly in resource allocation, complicates efforts to establish a clear political alternative to the right.

es.euronews.com

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Aug 9, 19:16

Misuse of EU Funds in Poland's Recovery Plan Sparks Outrage and Investigation

Poland's €60 billion EU recovery fund, intended for post-pandemic economic aid, faces scrutiny due to reports of misuse, including funding for luxury items like yachts and solariums; investigations are underway, and officials have been dismissed.

Misuse of EU Funds in Poland's Recovery Plan Sparks Outrage and Investigation

Poland's €60 billion EU recovery fund, intended for post-pandemic economic aid, faces scrutiny due to reports of misuse, including funding for luxury items like yachts and solariums; investigations are underway, and officials have been dismissed.

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What are the immediate consequences of the reported misuse of EU funds within Poland's KPO program?

Poland's National Reconstruction Plan (KPO), funded by nearly €60 billion in EU funds, has faced scrutiny after reports revealed misuse of funds intended for pandemic recovery. Media and social media highlighted cases of subsidies allocated to luxury items like yachts, solariums, and furniture, sparking public outrage and political debate. The Polish government pledged to address these issues.

euronews.com

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Jul 26, 22:10

Hungary Vetoes EU Budget Over Frozen Funds

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced Hungary will veto the EU's €2 trillion budget until €18 billion in frozen funds are released, citing concerns about democratic backsliding and accusing the EU of "financial blackmail".

Hungary Vetoes EU Budget Over Frozen Funds

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced Hungary will veto the EU's €2 trillion budget until €18 billion in frozen funds are released, citing concerns about democratic backsliding and accusing the EU of "financial blackmail".

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What is the immediate impact of Hungary's veto threat on the EU's €2 trillion budget?

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that his government will veto the EU's €2 trillion budget until the EU unfreezes €18 billion in funds previously withheld due to concerns about Hungary's democratic backsliding. This veto power stems from the EU's requirement for unanimous approval on its budget. The frozen funds comprise approximately €9.5 billion in COVID-19 recovery funding and €8.4 billion in cohesion funds.

kathimerini.gr

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Jul 23, 10:16

Greek Authorities Investigate Organic Certification Fraud

Following anonymous complaints, Greek authorities are investigating two organic product certification bodies for allegedly issuing thousands of certifications in three months, triggering investigations by Greek and EU authorities and raising concerns about potential fraud in the country's agricultur...

Greek Authorities Investigate Organic Certification Fraud

Following anonymous complaints, Greek authorities are investigating two organic product certification bodies for allegedly issuing thousands of certifications in three months, triggering investigations by Greek and EU authorities and raising concerns about potential fraud in the country's agricultur...

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What are the specific allegations of wrongdoing against the two organic certification bodies, and what immediate actions have resulted?

Anonymous complaints to Greece's National Accreditation System (ESYΔ) have led to investigations into two organic product certification bodies, one in Athens and one in Heraklion, Crete. The complaints allege thousands of certifications in just three months, a practically impossible feat. This triggered investigations by Greek and EU authorities.

kathimerini.gr

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Jul 21, 01:11

Greek Government Chooses Inquiry Over Investigation in OPKEPE Scandal

The Greek government opted for a parliamentary inquiry into the OPKEPE agricultural subsidy agency corruption scandal, revealed via a European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) report to the parliament, instead of a faster preliminary investigation, after internal divisions and public pressure.

Greek Government Chooses Inquiry Over Investigation in OPKEPE Scandal

The Greek government opted for a parliamentary inquiry into the OPKEPE agricultural subsidy agency corruption scandal, revealed via a European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) report to the parliament, instead of a faster preliminary investigation, after internal divisions and public pressure.

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How did internal political dynamics within the ruling party and public pressure shape the government's response to the OPKEPE scandal?

The government's response to the OPKEPE scandal highlights the challenges of navigating political pressures while addressing serious corruption allegations. The choice of a parliamentary inquiry, while seemingly less severe, reflects internal government divisions and concerns about potential backlash from within the ruling party. Public pressure for accountability ultimately influenced the decision-making process.

dw.com

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Jul 18, 13:13

Romania's Economic Paradox: Success Despite Corruption

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) highlights Romania's paradoxical economic success despite widespread corruption and inefficient governance, noting that its GDP has doubled that of Greece in two decades, while also citing massive public funds misuse and a significant brain drain. President N...

Romania's Economic Paradox: Success Despite Corruption

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) highlights Romania's paradoxical economic success despite widespread corruption and inefficient governance, noting that its GDP has doubled that of Greece in two decades, while also citing massive public funds misuse and a significant brain drain. President N...

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How does the FAZ article connect Romania's economic success with the misuse of EU funds and the legacy of corruption?

The FAZ article contrasts Romania's robust economic growth with its persistent issues of corruption and poor infrastructure. While the country's GDP has significantly outperformed Greece's, the misuse of EU funds is evident in dilapidated infrastructure like Henri Coandă Airport and a lack of highways, alongside stark inequalities between lavish private villas and neglected provincial train stations.

kathimerini.gr

🌐 85% Global Worthiness

Jul 16, 16:17

Greek Ruling Party Proposes OPECPE Investigation

Greece's ruling New Democracy party submitted a proposal for a parliamentary committee to investigate the Operational Programme for Community Initiatives, Payments and Control (OPECPE), citing €2.7 billion in fines since 1996 for irregularities and aiming to restore the system's credibility.

Greek Ruling Party Proposes OPECPE Investigation

Greece's ruling New Democracy party submitted a proposal for a parliamentary committee to investigate the Operational Programme for Community Initiatives, Payments and Control (OPECPE), citing €2.7 billion in fines since 1996 for irregularities and aiming to restore the system's credibility.

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How does the proposal address concerns about the statute of limitations and what specific changes to the system are being proposed?

The proposal highlights a long-standing problem of fines for agricultural subsidies, amounting to over €860 million between 1998-2004 alone. It refutes opposition claims of statute of limitations risks, citing a 2019 constitutional amendment eliminating special statute of limitations for government officials. The investigation will also examine the use of a 'technical solution' exploited for illegal subsidies and a change made during the SYRIZA government regarding subsidies for pastures without livestock.

Showing 13 to 24 of 79 results