Romania could gain EC's trust and avoid the safeguard clause, French Agriculture minister deems

The audit report from Deloitte regarding the accrediting of the agency for payments in agriculture will be presented next week, Romanian Agriculture Minister Dacian Ciolos said at the end of his meeting with Barnier. Ciolos reiterated his discontent regarding the activity of APIA: “I think APIA could be more efficient and meet deadlines.” On the other hand, Ciolos said he is confident that all funds will be spent complying the European regulations.

EC set deadline in mid-December for Romania to root out any issues concerning its agency for payments in agriculture or it may trigger the safeguard clause; EC will decide four days after the deadline expires whether to cut farm aid or not. If the country fails to improve its payment system, Romania will see 25 percent of its EU agriculture subsidies under lock and key.

EC discovered Romania lacks a proper computer system to track farm payments, after performing audits in June and September. EU also fears ineligible farmers or institutions could siphon off the funds. If all goes well, Romania could benefit from a total 4.3 billion euros handouts in the form of farming subsidies, from 2008 to 2013.

Source: NewsIn