Greek Public Employment Service labor initiatives

The Greek Public Employment Service (DYPA) has introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting workers and job seekers. Initially, the agency launched a program co-financed by the European Union’s Just Transition Fund to provide employment subsidies in regions affected by the lignite phase-out. This program, which includes an allocation of over 2 million euros for Western Macedonia, seeks to create 2,700 new full-time positions by subsidizing salaries for unemployed individuals and former workers from declining sectors.

Following these measures, DYPA expanded its scope to include parental leave benefits and broader labor market integration efforts. Eligible employees in the public and private sectors can now access a tax-free monthly allowance for children under eight years of age. Furthermore, the agency is focusing on vocational training and career services, such as CV workshops and Career Days, to connect the unemployed with businesses through programs like the Thessaloniki International Fair.

Building on these efforts, DYPA has opened a new round of applications for business subsidies to facilitate the creation of 2,700 full-time jobs. This phase of the Just Transition Plan specifically targets Western Macedonia, Megalopoli and its surrounding municipalities, and small islands in the North and South Aegean and Crete with populations under 3,100.

Supported by national funding and the EU’s Just Transition Fund, the subsidies are provided for 12 months. For general unemployed individuals, the subsidy covers 70% of salary and contributions, totaling approximately 9,954 euros. For workers specifically defined under the Just Transition Plan—including those from declining sectors like lignite mining and conventional power production—the subsidy covers 100%, reaching up to 14,220 euros per person.