# Economic and spending debates at Thessaloniki Fair

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/economic-and-spending-debates-at-thessaloniki-fair
> Updated: 2026-09-08T08:23:48.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

At the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair, Greek officials announced that €49.5 billion has been secured for the new ESPA program beginning in 2028. During discussions regarding economic support for small and medium-sized enterprises, officials noted that unemployment has fallen below 8% for the first time in 18 years.

Following these announcements, the ELAS political party demanded transparency from the Ministry of Labour concerning the Public Employment Service (DYPA) presence at the fair. ELAS raised concerns over the management of public resources, alleging that the cost of the exhibition presence may have reached €500,000, with approximately €300,000 spent on a single booth. The party contrasted this expenditure with reported operational issues within DYPA, including staffing shortages and failing digital systems.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: ELAS demands transparency over DYPA spending at Thessaloniki Fair

ELAS is questioning the Ministry of Labour over reports that DYPA's presence at the Thessaloniki International Fair cost nearly €500,000, including €300,000 for a single booth.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elas-demands-transparency-over-dypa-spending-at-thessaloniki-fair

### 2026-09-05: Greek officials announce €49.5 billion in ESPA funding for 2028

At the Thessaloniki International Fair, Greek officials announced €49.5 billion in secured ESPA funding for 2028 and discussed measures to support SMEs through reduced bureaucracy and lower operating costs.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-officials-announce-495-billion-in-espa-funding-for-2028

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Cite as: Economic and spending debates at Thessaloniki Fair. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/economic-and-spending-debates-at-thessaloniki-fair