Greece is moving ahead with the nationwide implementation of the “Neighborhood Nannies” initiative, following a decision by Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, in cooperation with Deputy Minister for Social Cohesion and Family. The program is now included in the 2021–2027 NSRF under the “Human Resources and Social Cohesion” umbrella, with a total public budget of 56.03 million euros.

The scheme offers monthly vouchers of up to 500 euros to eligible mothers or fathers with sole parental responsibility. The subsidy helps cover part of the cost for accredited childcare providers who look after children aged between two months and two-and-a-half years, either in the family home or at the caregiver’s residence, while parents are working or seeking employment.

The nationwide rollout includes several key components: upgrading the information system used in the pilot phase, processing payments to beneficiaries, coordinating and conducting checks, operating a call center, and running information and awareness campaigns.

The initiative aims to promote gender equality in the workplace, support parents balancing professional and family obligations, assist jobseekers, and strengthen women’s participation in the labor market. It also seeks to improve family planning and ease the daily pressures on working parents.

Approximately 3,600 parents are expected to benefit from the program, receiving vouchers that will allow them to select accredited caregivers from the official registry.

The Managing Authority of the NSRF within the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family has been designated as the project’s beneficiary.