EU Commission flags systemic flaws in Greece's training fund management

In a 7 September 2026 letter, the European Commission's Cohesion Audit Directorate highlighted systemic deficiencies in Greece's handling of EU training, employment and social cohesion programmes. The audit points to problems in planning, tendering, award procedures and monitoring, which the Commission says put EU funds at risk. As a result, a financial correction has been proposed, and Greece must either comply or provide evidence to limit the adjustment.

The Commission also requests that contracts outside the original sample be examined for similar issues, potentially widening the financial impact. Additional concerns include unclear procurement criteria, restrictive eligibility requirements for training providers, and inadequate documentation of beneficiary selection. The findings follow earlier media reports that prompted Greek authorities to offer explanations, which the Commission found insufficient.