Greek authorities are investigating thefts during the purchase of “smart” water meters worth €500 million

National Office for Expenditure Transparency of Greece (EAD) has launched a major investigation into the possible misuse European subsidies worth up to 500 million eurosallocated for installation smart water meters all over the country.

According to the publication Kathimerininear half a billion euros was sent to municipalities and water utilities as part of a program to modernize water supply systems. Funding was provided through the National Strategic Investment Program with significant support European Union. As a result of the competitive selection, we were approved 55 projects costing approximately 9 million euros each, which in total amounted to the entire amount of allocated funds.

Joined the check Greek Competition Commission and office European Prosecutor’s Office in Athens. Agencies have received numerous complaints regarding procurement procedures, possible overestimation of the cost of equipment and violations in the implementation of individual projects. Inspections have already been completed in three municipalities in Central and Western Macedonia.

The most important part of the investigation is based on documents provided by an anonymous informant. He reported cases of procurement “smart” water meters at a price higher than the market price 200% to 700%. This data has become key for open administrative and criminal cases.

Investigating authorities are also analyzing reports that a significant number of projects were launched without the necessary technical studies. Lack of proper preparation led to calculation errors and forced municipalities to purchase excess quantities of equipment, which further increased the financial burden and distorted the original goals of the program.

The investigation is ongoing and its outcome could have serious consequences for the distribution of European funds in Greece and future infrastructure projects based on co-financing EU.

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