The nationwide introduction of a cash prize for excellence for farmers’ children, the doubling of support for those affected in Thessaly and the substantial support for farm workers and single-parent families are at the core of the new design of OPEKA’s programmes for 2026.
As noted, with targeted interventions, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family is turning social policy into action, strengthening the Greek periphery and recognizing the daily toil of rural people.
“We work every day to provide solutions that directly improve the daily life of the citizen. The upgraded programs for 2026 are proof of our commitment that no one will be left alone. Methodically and with full transparency, we are directing resources to where the heart of the region beats: to Thessaly’s struggling region, to the land workers, to single-parent families and to the children of farmers who excel. We are increasing the allowances for children’s camps and building a state that supports the Greek family in practice,” said the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou.
In this context, one of the most important sections of this year’s decision is the extension throughout the country of the programme to provide cash prizes, amounting to 1,000 euros, to the successful candidates of the Panhellenic Examinations who come from rural families. The programme, which operated on a pilot basis in 2025, now becomes a permanent institution for 2026. With this intervention, the State recognizes the effort of rural youth and offers a substantial financial support during their admission to Public Higher Education Institutions, turning the reward of excellence into a stable acquisition for the rural family. These awards will be given to 2,106 beneficiaries.
At the same time, the ministry is responding to the emergency needs created by the bad weather Daniel, doubling the duration of social and spa tourism programmes especially for the Regional Units of Magnesia, Karditsa, Larissa and Trikala. Beneficiaries in the affected areas are now able to enjoy up to 12 overnight stays and 11 baths, in a move that combines the necessary relief for families with the urgent need to strengthen the local economy and tourism businesses in Thessaly.
In addition, the new decision enhances social justice by including for the first time among the beneficiaries agricultural workers, insured in the e-EFKA (former OGA), who completed at least 150 days of work within 2025.
In addition, access for single fathers in rural areas is expanded, as they are ensured equal participation in the cash award programme for three- and many-parent families.
Finally, in order to provide optimal support for the children of farmers, an increase in the food allowance for the camping programme is proposed, ensuring the upgrading of the accommodation services provided.
The overall grid of actions for 2026 is firmly framed by the excursion programme, the free book programme and the free theatre ticket programme, forming an integrated social cohesion intervention for the Greek periphery.
