There is money for vouchers, but beneficiaries and providers are hard to find. The childcare voucher program, aimed at helping parents balance family and work life, has seen a strange paradox — while it could support over 200,000 families, only around 100,000 apply. Many prefer leaving their children with grandparents or struggle to find nearby approved facilities. Additionally, some centers hesitate to join due to delayed subsidies. This will change by 2027, as Minister of Social Cohesion Domna Michailidou plans to streamline funding through a single source.
In another move, the Ministry of Social Cohesion signed an agreement to allocate a campsite in Marathon for the children of firefighters, addressing a long-standing gap in recreational infrastructure for first responders. Michailidou described this as a “small tribute,” signaling a broader effort to extend social policy to traditionally overlooked professional groups.
Meanwhile, Greece’s new labor bill, introduced by Labor Minister Nikos Karamanos, raises concerns. It allows employees to work up to 13 hours daily within one company (previously across two), supposedly with consent. Critics argue that real consent is unlikely when employers request extended hours, potentially harming job creation and fair wages.
A recent study by Bocconi University and EconPol Europe warns that EU Horizon innovation funds have largely gone to large firms with limited results. Experts suggest redirecting resources toward independent small and medium applicants to boost development potential.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz rejected further European banking union integration, advocating instead for stronger national-level systems. His comments challenge the EU’s vision of capital markets union without full banking union backing.
Back in Greece, while the government accelerates OPKEPE fund audits to eliminate fraud, delays persist in implementing agricultural support measures. The timing gap risks significant losses to rural production unless parallel aid programs speed up.
Tourism, contributing nearly 25% of GDP, faces labor shortages despite growing tourist numbers. Over 54,000 positions remain unfilled in hospitality and food services, raising concerns about sustainability amid projected growth.
Finally, Greece launched the Digital Register of Common Areas via myStreet app, aiming to control illegal use of public spaces like terraces. Modeled after beach violation reporting systems, it seeks transparency and real-time enforcement, though fears of misuse remain.