Relocation grant program expanded to six regions despite Meriç setback
The government has announced the expansion of its subsidized relocation program to six additional regional units—Drama, Kılkıç (Kilkis), Serres, Lerin (Florina), Pella and Kesriye (Kastoria)—despite poor results in its initial rollout in Meriç (Evros).
Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Domna Michailidou said the program aims to strengthen border and remote areas by encouraging people to return to their hometowns or relocate for a better quality of life. The €10,000 grant is provided without income criteria. Further expansions are planned for other mainland and island regions facing demographic decline.
The program’s pilot phase in Meriç (Evros), covering the municipalities of Sofullu (Soufli), Dmetoka (Didymoteicho) and Kumçiftliği (Orestiada), failed to meet expectations. Of 600 applications submitted, only two were approved, although funding exists for up to 1,000 relocations.
Ms. Michailidou attributed the low approval rate to invalid or misleading applications, noting that authorities identified cases where applicants had already been living or working in the areas concerned. She stressed that strict checks prevented the misuse of public funds.
