Greek Deputy Minister of National Defence Nikos Papathanasis announced an €80 million support package for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in strategic technologies and defence sectors. The initiative, unveiled during an event titled “State Aid with Focus on SMEs and New STEP-Defence Priorities” hosted by the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (EBEA), targets existing, newly established, and soon-to-be-founded SMEs — each group subject to specific eligibility criteria.
Two Funding Streams for SMEs
The aid will be delivered through two distinct calls for proposals: one aimed at existing SMEs, offering up to 50% co-financing; and another for new or soon-to-be-established companies, providing support of up to 67%.
Broader Industrial and Skills Support
In addition to SME-focused measures, the government outlined complementary initiatives:
- €120 million for medium and large enterprises investing in new economic activity outside Attica;
- A €20 million internal corporate training programme under the ‘STEP UP’ framework.
New Priorities for 2021–2027
The event also presented updated priorities for the national programmes Competitiveness and Human Resources & Social Cohesion, as well as the STEP–Defence interventions. Emphasis was placed on investments and skills upgrading in areas including digital applications, artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, and dual-use technologies. Special financial instruments tailored for SMEs and defence-related businesses were also highlighted.
Scale of State Support So Far
Under the Competitiveness programme, nine sub-actions have supported 18,224 approved projects. Meanwhile, the Human Resources & Social Cohesion – Entrepreneurship 2021–2027 programme has approved 8,305 projects. Through the TEPICH III financial instrument, 11,499 loans totalling €2.91 billion have been disbursed.
In total, public expenditure on state aid and financing tools has exceeded €3 billion — with broad geographical distribution across all Greek regions.