Greece is moving ahead with the second phase of a nationwide school infrastructure upgrade program, set to modernize more than 220 schools across the country as part of a wider effort to improve public education facilities.
The program, which focuses on repairs and renovations in hundreds of school buildings, is scheduled to be formally signed on May 7 at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Government officials, representatives of participating banks, and the state construction agency responsible for public buildings are expected to attend.
Nationwide upgrades planned for summer
According to official information, the new phase will see works carried out during the summer period, allowing schools to be upgraded ahead of the new academic year. The interventions aim to enhance safety, accessibility and overall learning conditions for students and teachers.
The program is expected to extend to more than 2,500 school units in total over its full duration, making it one of the largest school renovation initiatives in the country in recent years.
Strong financial backing from banking sector
The initiative is funded through a partnership between the Greek state and the country’s major banks, which contribute via a collective agreement coordinated by the national banking association.
The total budget of the program stands at €650 million. Of this, €250 million is financed through public investment funds, while €400 million comes from contributions by four major banks. A portion of this funding has already been allocated, with further contributions planned over the coming years.
First phase delivered upgrades across hundreds of schools
The first phase of the program has already been completed, with renovations carried out in 431 schools across all regions of the country. These works covered urban centers, islands, and remote areas, ensuring broad geographic distribution.
Specifically, the interventions were distributed across Greece as follows: Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (28 schools), Attica (103), Northern Aegean (11), Western Greece (31), Western Macedonia (12), Epirus (17), Thessaly (25), Ionian Islands (11), Central Macedonia (80), Crete (33), Southern Aegean (16), Peloponnese (34), and Central Greece (30).
Interventions included upgrades to sanitation facilities, construction of accessible toilets for students with disabilities, repair of ramps, repainting of interiors and exteriors, and improvements to outdoor school areas such as sports courts and playgrounds.
Special focus was placed on schools in remote, island and border regions, as well as institutions affected by extreme weather events or natural disasters.
Focus on safer and more modern learning environments
Authorities say the program is designed to address long-standing infrastructure issues in school buildings and to create safer, more functional spaces for education.
By improving basic facilities and upgrading ageing structures, the initiative aims to support a more inclusive and comfortable environment for students across Greece, while also enhancing working conditions for teaching staff.
The second phase is expected to continue this approach, expanding improvements to additional schools nationwide in the months ahead.
