In a major push to tackle unemployment among older jobseekers, Greece’s Ministry of Labor and Social Security has unveiled a new job subsidy initiative through the Public Employment Service (DYPA). The ambitious 220 million euros program aims to create approximately 50,000 new positions for unemployed individuals aged 30 and above.

According to the ministry, this is “the largest employment and work experience subsidy program ever implemented in the country’s history.”

The initiative targets groups most affected by persistent joblessness—particularly long-term unemployed individuals (registered for at least 24 months), unemployed women, middle-aged jobseekers aged 45–64, and those at risk of poverty, including recipients of the Minimum Guaranteed Income.

Through this program, the government seeks to strengthen social cohesion, promote equal access to the labor market, and provide valuable work experience opportunities for unemployed citizens over 30. Participants will be placed in private-sector businesses for a six-month period, gaining on-the-job training and professional skills.

The scheme is co-funded by the EU’s 2021–2027 Partnership Agreement (ESPA) under the Human Resources and Social Cohesion Program. Applications from interested companies will remain open until the program’s budget is fully allocated.

How the Program Works

The participation process involves close coordination between jobseekers and businesses.

• Unemployed candidates are referred by employment counselors at the local Employment Promotion Centers, who issue recommendation letters.
• Businesses submit an online application of interest via Gov.gr, specifying the job roles and educational qualifications of the candidates they wish to host.

The Public Employment Service is responsible for managing the entire process—from handling business applications and matching eligible jobseekers to paying participant compensation.

The program highlights the government’s renewed focus on inclusive growth, helping thousands of older jobseekers reenter and sustain meaningful employment.