EU agricultural fund disbursement at risk in Slovakia due to IT provider dispute and intimidation

Priority question for written answer P-004189/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)

In Slovakia, the agricultural paying agency relies on an information system called AGIS to manage all EU and national agricultural payments. The system has been developed and maintained for over twenty years by the original software provider, successfully passed audits by the Commission and has been operating reliably.

However, since early 2025, the company has faced intimidation and long-term non-payment of invoices by the Power Purchase Agreements board, allegedly to force the company to collaborate with a favoured subcontractor. Despite contractual obligations, the Power Purchase Agreements board has suspended payments, imposed unfair penalties, and refused to provide payment guarantees for newly requested system updates.

This situation jeopardises the timely processing of calls for support totalling over EUR 22 million, which could result in the loss of funds for farmers. With the current service contract expiring at the end of 2025, there is a real risk that there will not be functioning system in place from 2026.

In this context:

• 1.Is the Commission aware of the current situation affecting the Slovak paying agency and the risks to the disbursement of EU agricultural funds?
• 2.What steps will the Commission take to ensure the continuity of payments to farmers and the protection of EU financial interests?
• 3.Will the Commission investigate the potential intimidation, non-payment and procurement irregularities involving the IT provider?

Submitted: 23.10.2025