Six European countries have been fined almost €57m by the European Commission over land eligibility issues, “unduly spent” funds and other Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) expenditure.

According to Brussels-based agriculture news agency Agra Facts, France has been hit with the highest fine of €20.68m for “deficiencies” in the allocation of entitlements as well being lax in the implementation of “late on the spot checks” for its school milk scheme.

The school milk scheme is rolled out across Europe and is intended on increasing the consumption of dairy products. Schools receive milk and other products at reduced prices.

Italy has been hit with a fine in excess of €7m for “weaknesses” in administration and accounting of its CAP budget but no further information has been provided on the fine.

The UK was fined nearly €3.2m over its own land parcel identification system (LPIS) review.

Ireland is still waiting to hear an outcome of its LPIS review. After an initial review of 900,000 Irish land parcels, the European Commission informed the Department of Agriculture that it wants to impose a flat 2% fine the €9bn direct EU aid Ireland received between 2008 and 2012. This would equate to €180m.

The Department of Agriculture submitted an appeal to the EU last week in a bid to substantially reduce the fine.

Other countries which have been issued with fines from the European Commission include Poland (€5.8m), Portugal (€5.7m), Finland (€3.7m) and Spain (€3.3m).