Businesses taking part in a new ESPA initiative can secure grants of up to 600,000 euros to train their employees in strategic technologies, defense, and security. The program has a total budget of 20 million euros and targets companies that want to invest in their workforce and strengthen their position in sectors of strategic importance to the European economy.
The initiative falls under the “Competitiveness” program of ESPA 2021–2027, Greece’s framework for EU structural funds. It funds in-house training in Strategic Technologies for Europe (STEP) as well as in defense and security. The eligible training covers a wide range of fields, including digital and deep technologies, clean and resource-efficient technologies, biotechnology, and health technologies. Also included are defense technologies, cyber defense, information security, defense and space systems, dual-use technologies, and defense certification and support.
The aim is to help companies build the specialized workforce they need to meet new technological demands and boost their competitiveness. Participation, however, is not open to all businesses. Eligible applicants must be established companies with at least 100 employees, hold an eligible primary or secondary business activity code (KAD), and operate in strategic technologies or in defense and security. Companies that can demonstrate a clear operational and strategic focus on these sectors may also qualify.
A key requirement is that the training must address the company’s actual needs and help employees develop specialized knowledge and skills.
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How much funding is available
Public funding covers 50% of eligible costs, while the subsidized budget for each business plan can range from 150,000 to 1.2 million euros. In practice, this means grants start at 75,000 euros and can reach 600,000 euros, depending on the level of eligible expenditure.
Interested companies must submit a Business Training Plan. The plan should document the company’s activity in the eligible sectors, analyze employees’ training needs, and set out the training program and its expected results. Applications will be assessed on a first-in, first-out basis, in order of submission, until the funds available for each regional category and priority are used up.
The deadline for applications is December 31, 2026, unless the budget runs out sooner.
Businesses can find more information on the websites of the “Competitiveness” program (www.antagonistikotita.gr), ESPA (www.espa.gr), and EFEPAE (www.efepae.gr).