Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis spoke about a new European Competitiveness Fund totaling 420 billion euros, from which Greece could claim 8 to 10 billion euros during the 2028–2034 period.
Speaking yesterday, Wednesday, at the event “A New Era for Higher Education” organized in Athens by the Ministry of Education, Religion, and Sports, he emphasized that the funding will be directed toward research, technology, and innovation initiatives, with a focus on collaboration between businesses, universities, and research centers.
According to the relevant announcement, Kostis Hatzidakis explained that the Fund will not be allocated based on national quotas—although negotiations are ongoing—but will focus on research, technology, and their connection to businesses. Therefore, credible proposals that receive high scores will have an advantage.
“Every academic and every entrepreneur needs to understand this. Things are changing, and our way of thinking must change as well. Public and private universities will no longer be places—neither in Europe nor in Greece—where some people take classes and others rent out their homes.
They will become drivers of local and national development through innovation and initiatives that create added value. Woe to us if we fail to participate in this revolution. “And I am certain that just as we succeeded with digital modernization, so too will we succeed here,” he noted.
Mr. Hatzidakis also argued that the perception that there will be a funding gap after the Recovery Fund expires is completely incorrect. This is because, based on the latest proposals—and even though negotiations are not yet complete—Greece is set to receive 49.5 billion euros for the next period (compared to 57.5 billion in the current period), plus a loan package and funding from the Competitiveness Fund.
Referring to the progress made in the field of higher education, Kostis Hatzidakis noted two key changes that have taken place in recent years: the evaluation of universities by the national authority and the coexistence of public and private universities.
“Last year marked the beginning. This year, I expect even more private universities to open, and the competition will be fiercer. There are also new approaches at state universities; the institution of industrial doctorates has been enacted, bringing universities closer to businesses, and there could also be industrial master’s programs,” he emphasized.
The Deputy Prime Minister also noted progress in attracting international students. “It is very important that the mindset at universities is beginning to change and that there are partnerships with universities abroad. There are partnerships with American universities, and Chinese students are coming to Greece to study ancient Greek literature here.
This could be expanded even further. Universities, particularly those in island regions and tourist resorts that are closed every summer, could be used to offer summer courses to foreign students and high school students. “This would allow us to generate more revenue, make use of underutilized facilities, and move toward making Greece an international educational hub, just like Cyprus.”
He also accused the official opposition of a lack of seriousness, noting that while it agrees with the existence of non-profit universities, it states that it will vote against the government’s proposal, which is in line with the Constitution. “The reason is that the proposal comes from New Democracy. Is that serious? Is that responsible?” he asked.
Finally, Kostis Hatzidakis announced that a review of the Recovery Fund will take place this summer, which will include not only absorption tables but also photos and videos.
“I wonder what those who tend to dismiss everything will have to say. One narrative was that we wouldn’t be able to absorb the funds in time. Unfortunately for them, they were proven wrong. The second narrative was that the Fund only concerned large companies. But it actually benefited tens of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses and very important areas of social policy.
Such as Health—as you can see, we are opening new health centers and hospital units that serve every citizen—and Education. Funding has been provided for interactive whiteboards, modernization initiatives in primary and secondary education, efforts to promote universities’ international outreach, and new graduate programs. All of these represent an investment in society and the future of our country.
And we must thank—not only the government but all citizens—the hundreds of public servants who worked hard for five years and raced against the clock to ensure these funds were utilized. “Because the conditions were much more difficult compared to the traditional NSRF,” he concluded.