Romania must pay back EUR 12.5 mln in EU agricultural funds

The EU is to claim back some EUR 12.5 million spent by Romania under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP). The money owed by Romania is part of a total of EUR 414 million of EU agricultural policy funds unduly spent by member states that the European Commission (EC) is claiming back, according to an announcement published today (February 26 ).

The EC has charged Romania with weaknesses in eligibility and expenses controls, as well as deficiencies in the application of sanctions in the agricultural holdings modernization scheme. Although the EC is claiming back money from 22 countries in total, Romania was one of only six member states with larger sums to return. The biggest bill went to the UK, some EUR 112 million, while Italy, Spain, Poland and France also had significant amounts to pay back. Individual member states are responsible for administrating payments under the CAP, according to the EC. The Commission carries out over 100 audits each year to make sure funds are being spent properly and the national controls are functioning. editor@romania-insider.com photo source: sxc.hu