New ESPA action: 50% grant for staff training in STEP and defence technologies
On 13/10/2026 the Ministry of National Economy and Finance launched the «Competitiveness» programme action for in-company training of employees in STEP strategic technologies and defence and security, with a EUR 20 million budget. It is for businesses that employed 100 or more people in the last full calendar year. The grant is 50% of eligible training costs, EUR 75,000 to 600,000 per application. Applications go through ΟΠΣΚΕ from 2/11/2026 to 31/12/2026, first come, first served.
What it means for you
If your business employed 100 or more different people in 2025 (unique tax numbers in ΕΡΓΑΝΗ), has an eligible activity code and works in STEP technologies or defence and security, it can claim half the cost of an in-company training plan of EUR 150,000 to 1,200,000. The training must not start before the application, and the business's total training spending must not fall below its historical level. Applications are examined in order of submission, so preparing the plan before 2/11 matters.
Sources
Diavgeia: call of the action (ΑΔΑ 9ΕΦ3Η-99Ψ)(opens in a new tab)
Related benefits
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