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Just Transition Guarantee Fund for investment loans (80% guarantee)

'Just Development Transition' Programme 2021-2027 (EU Just Transition Fund)

Ελληνική Αναπτυξιακή Τράπεζα – ΕΑΤ (Hellenic Development Bank – HDB)

In plain words

A bank investment loan with an 80% HDB guarantee for businesses in Western Macedonia, Megalopoli and nearby municipalities, and on small islands. 3-point interest subsidy for the first 2 years and collateral of at most 30% of the loan.

Who can apply

Existing and new micro, small and medium businesses in: Western Macedonia, the municipalities of Megalopoli, Tripoli, Gortynia and Oichalia, and islands with under 3,100 inhabitants in the North Aegean, South Aegean and Crete, in an eligible activity code.

What it pays for

Investment loans from €10,000 to €1.4m (under de minimis, 2–10 years) or up to €16.5m under the EU block exemption rules (2–12 years) — the higher limit only for young SMEs (e.g. under 10 years since registration or 7 years since the first commercial sale) or for an initial investment. Up to 24 months grace, a 3% interest subsidy for 2 years; the guarantee fee can be fully subsidised.

What must be true for you

Tick what applies. Saved on this device only.

  • Seat or branch in an eligible Just Transition area.
  • Eligible activity code; tax and social-security clearance; credit-bureau check.
  • Business plan and bank credit approval; ESG Tracker.
  • Real collateral of at most 30% of the loan.

How to apply

  1. Pick one or more partner banks (Alpha Bank, Piraeus, Crediabank, Cooperative Bank of Thessaly).
  2. Apply on HDB's KYC platform (kyc.hdb.gr) with your company details and business plan; tax/social-security clearance and credit-bureau (Tiresias) checks run automatically.
  3. The request goes to the banks you chose; when one makes a non-binding offer you get a unique code.
  4. Use the code to file the application on the state-aid system ΟΠΣΚΕ (app.opske.gr).
  5. Fill in the ESG Tracker self-assessment (esgtracker.hdb.gr) – mandatory, but it does not affect eligibility.
  6. Hand the documents to the bank, which checks your creditworthiness and signs the loan agreement with you.

Where to apply: Πλατφόρμα KYC της ΕΑΤ (kyc.hdb.gr) + ΟΠΣΚΕ (app.opske.gr) + συνεργαζόμενη τράπεζα / HDB KYC platform + OPSKE state-aid system + partner bank

Deadline

Apply any time through a partner bank until funds run out. The loan contract must be signed within 3 months of approval (one 1-month extension possible) and the last disbursement made by 31 Dec 2029.

Sources we read

Research notes: Budget €20m guarantees ~€100m of loans; 80% guarantee. Terms as amended 10/2025 (eligible ΚΑΔ 2025 list uploaded 10/2026). Guarantee fee: none if taken as state aid; otherwise GBER loans use the Commission safe-harbour premiums and de minimis loans 0.20% on the guaranteed amount, paid once. Interest subsidy 300 bps for 24 months (Q&A §2.7). Investment spending only (new assets, no refinancing). Eligible areas: whole Western Macedonia; in the Peloponnese only the municipalities of Megalopoli, Tripoli, Gortynia (Arcadia) and Oichalia (Messinia); in the North Aegean, South Aegean and Crete only the 34 islands with up to 3,100 inhabitants listed in the Q&A §1.4 (e.g. Fournoi, Psara, Oinousses, Agios Efstratios, Anafi, Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros, Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Amorgos, Antiparos, Nisyros, Tilos, Symi, Halki, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Gavdos) — not Crete's main island, Lesvos, Chios or Rhodes. Partner banks: Alpha Bank, Piraeus, CrediaBank, Cooperative Bank of Thessaly. Listed by HDB as 'in progress'; no exhaustion notice on 17/10/2026.

See also