Portugal has to repay €12.56 million worth of community funding that was “incorrectly used” in the agricultural sector, the European Commission has revealed.
The bulk of the money has to do with direct payments made to farmers, while just over €600,000 relates to compensation payments paid out regarding exports.
Portugal’s “fine”, as Brussels calls it, also includes €3.9 million paid out for animal subsidies that were not properly identified.
In all, Brussels reveals it has had to slap 11 member states on the wrist, clawing back as much as €315 million. France is apparently the worst offender, writes Lusa news agency.
How the fines will directly affect individual farmers has not yet been made clear.
