The New Partnership Agreement for Regional Development 2021–2027 (ESPA 2021–2027)
The new Partnership Agreement for Regional Development 2021–2027 (ESPA 2021–2027) largely reflects the new priorities of the European Commission and Greece’s new development priorities for the coming years.
A total of €26.2 billion is expected to be allocated to Greece in the coming years, of which €20.9 billion will come from European Union support and €5.3 billion from national co-financing.
The ESPA 2021–2027 programs, as well as the Regional Operational Programs (ROPs) that are active or expected to be launched shortly, are presented in the table below:
| CALLS | BENEFICIARIES | AID PERCENTAGE | BUDGET | SUBMISSION DATES |
| Producing in Greece | Existing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) | Up to 55% | €100,000 – €400,000 | 31/03/2026 (15:00) to 02/07/2026 (15:00) |
| Doing Business in Central Greece (Epicheiro Sterea) | Existing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) | Up to 60% | €30,000 – €400,000 | 18/05/2026 (13:00) until the announced closing date |
| Starting a Business | Higher education graduates | Up to 100% | Up to €13,000 for sole proprietorships and up to €21,000 for partnerships/shareholder structures | 06/05/2026 (15:00) to 30/06/2026 (15:00) |
| Support for SMEs in Strategic Technologies for Europe (STEP) and Defence & Security Sectors | Existing and newly established/start-up enterprises | 50% – 67% | €50,000 – €400,000 for existing enterprises and up to €300,000 for new/start-up enterprises | Expected |
| Support for Medium and Large Enterprises in Strategic Technologies for Europe and Defence & Security Sectors | Existing and newly established/start-up enterprises | 40% – 60% | €2,000,000 – €6,000,000 | Expected |
| Cash Rebate GR – Film & TV | Greek and international production companies, co-production companies, and audiovisual creators | Up to 40% | Determined according to the type of project | From 20/02/2025 until budget exhaustion |
| Adaptation Plans for SMEs with Workforce Capacity of 20–50 Annual Work Units (AWU) | Existing SMEs | — | €25,000 – €130,000 | Expected |
The new ESPA 2021–2027 establishes priorities for strengthening the economy’s productive capacity, infrastructure, human skills, and social protection.
The projects and actions to be financed under the new ESPA take into account the country’s specific conditions and needs for the coming years and address the structural weaknesses of the Greek economy.
At the same time, major projects that began under ESPA 2014–2020 continue and are being completed.
As an overall policy framework, the following priorities and actions are promoted, aiming to support a successful transition towards:
- A “Smarter” Greece – 20% of resources
- A “Greener” Greece – 27% of resources
- A “More Connected” Greece – 8% of resources
- A “More Social” Greece – 30% of resources
- A Greece Closer to Its Citizens – 6% of resources
- Just Transition for Regions after Decarbonization/Lignite Phase-Out – 7% of resources
The new ESPA 2021–2027 has a strong development impact through actions and projects of high added value, generating multiplier benefits for both society and the economy following the pandemic crisis, and contributing significantly to the launch of a new cycle of prosperity for all.
The Partnership Agreement for Regional Development 2021–2027 was approved by the European Commission on 29 July 2021.
The following resources are available:
Detailed Presentation of the New ESPA 2021–2027
- Presentation of the New ESPA 2021–2027 (PDF – 2.07 MB)
Official Text of the New ESPA 2021–2027
- Partnership Agreement for Regional Development 2021–2027 (29 July 2021) (PDF – 380 KB)
Implementing Law for ESPA 2021–2027
- Law 4914/19.03.2022 (Government Gazette 61/A/21.03.2022): Management, control, and implementation of development interventions for the 2021–2027 Programming Period, establishment of the company “National Startup Registry S.A.”, and other provisions
