By Anna McLauchlin - 4th February 2004
Eight member states have misspent EU money earmarked for agriculture, the European Commission announced on Wednesday.
The commission will claim back a total of €143.18 million euros from Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Italy and the UK.
These countries have either not complied with EU rules on farm spending or they have shortcomings in their control procedures, a spokesman said.
€91.12 million is the highest sum to be paid back by France for problems with control of its livestock premiums, followed by €20.02 million by Italy for not complying with EU rules on storing alcohol and cheese.
Spain must pay €11.22 million for weaknesses in its fruit and vegetable sector and Belgium and Germany will hand over €9.32 million and €7.5 million respectively for failings in arable crops control.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.