91999E2052

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2052/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(3 November 1999)

Subject: Fraud by undertakings in Greece

Auditing and judicial authorities in Greece have found that limited companies which received substantial aid under Greek development law 1892/90 have committed a series of offences (document forgeries, invoicing of reduced amounts for material and equipment, etc.) and illegally received subsidies worth many billions of drachmas. These companies are as follows: Sofem Ltd., Farmer Ltd., Endysi Ltd., Biotep Ltd., Plexi Ltd., Astria Ltd., Athlitiká Organa Thrakis Ltd., Diavitiká Edesmata Ltd., Iatriká Eidi Boriou Elladas Ltd., Klimatistikà Boriou Elladas Ltd., and probably others.

Will the Commission say:

1. Have these undertakings received EU aid through the development law or other programmes?

2. If so, can it give a detailed breakdown of the type and amount of the illegal subsidies received per undertaking and say what measures it intends to take to clear the matter up completely?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(21 December 1999)

According to information provided by the Greek authorities, none of the companies mentioned by the Honourable Member or any other companies that have allegedly received unlawful public funding have been co-funded by the Community structural funds.