Greece’s Ministry of National Economy and Finance outlines Greek Development Bank support for SMEs and the EUR 26.2bn 2021–2027 National Strategic Reference Framework programme

Greece’s Ministry of National Economy and Finance published remarks setting out how the Greek Development Bank and the 2021–2027 National Strategic Reference Framework programme are being used to expand access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises and support wider investment priorities. The ministry positioned the Greek Development Bank as operating alongside, rather than competing with, commercial banks, using guarantees and investments to mobilise capital and liquidity and to develop loan products tailored to business needs. It noted that SMEs account for over 85% of employment and that the bank’s programmes have already channelled several million euros to the real economy, including for innovative and start-up firms, small family companies and export activity. The remarks also highlighted the EUR 26.2bn National Strategic Reference Framework 2021–2027 budget as the country’s core funding tool, covering growth, social cohesion, and the green and digital transitions, with SME measures including innovation support, production reorganisation, microfinance, mentoring and coaching, and social entrepreneurship. Coordination of these instruments alongside the Recovery Fund and the Public Investment Programme was attributed to Deputy Minister Nikos Papathanasis.