Authorities have ordered three municipal waste management agencies in Attica, Peloponnese, and Crete to return an additional €25 million in European Union funding following an audit of automated recycling centers.
The Finance Ministry decision requires the return of 55% of the remaining EU funds after auditors discovered that 55% of materials collected in 2025 were standard packaging already covered by other programs. The agencies had already been asked to return €39.6 million in 2025, bringing total requested returns to 77.5% of the original €79.3 million allocation.
The agencies, representing dozens of municipalities, argued the material mix was due to citizen behavior. Officials stated evaluation relies strictly on functional design compatibility. Execution remains suspended pending Court of Audit rulings, while the European Public Prosecutor’s Office conducts a parallel investigation into the purchases.
