Greece’s population crisis deepens as Mitsotakis admits Meriç relocation program falling short

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has admitted that the government’s pilot relocation program in the Evros region has so far failed to deliver encouraging results, underscoring the growing pressure of Greece’s demographic crisis.

Speaking at the “Demographics 2026” conference, Mitsotakis described declining birth rates as a global challenge rather than an exclusively Greek issue, while defending the government’s strategy of financial support for families, housing assistance, and regional development incentives.

“We do not yet have very encouraging data from Evros,” the prime minister said, referring to the state-backed relocation initiative aimed at repopulating northern border municipalities.

Greece Struggles With Declining Birth Rates and Regional Depopulation
Mitsotakis emphasized that modern demographic decline is driven not only by economic hardship but also by changing lifestyles and shifting perceptions of parenthood among younger generations.

The Greek government has introduced a series of measures in recent years, including:

• Birth allowances for new parents
• Family-oriented tax reductions linked to the number of children
• Expanded childcare and nursery subsidy programs
• Affordable housing initiatives through the “My Home” schemes
• Financial incentives for relocation to remote regions

According to the prime minister, these policies were made possible by Greece’s improved fiscal performance and budget surpluses.

Housing Crisis Remains Central Concern for Young Families
Housing affordability emerged as a major focus of Mitsotakis’ speech. He noted that rising rental prices continue to burden younger households, particularly those unable to purchase property.

The government’s “My Home 1” and “My Home 2” housing programs have reportedly helped nearly 25,000 families secure homes through subsidized mortgage arrangements offering lower monthly payments than typical rent costs.

Mitsotakis also hinted that a third housing support program may be under consideration.

Evros Pilot Program Sees Only Two Approved Applications
Despite the government’s ambitions, the Evros relocation program has produced extremely limited results during its first year.

Official data show:

• Around 600 individuals initially expressed interest
• 153 formal applications were submitted
• Only 2 applications have been fully approved
• 1 additional application remains in pre-approval status
• Greek officials reportedly expect up to 90% of remaining applications to be rejected.

The program offers financial incentives of up to €10,000 for individuals or families relocating to municipalities in northern Meriç, a strategically important border region facing severe depopulation.

Why Most Applications Were Rejected
According to officials from Greece’s Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, the majority of applicants failed to meet residency requirements.

Authorities said many applicants incorrectly assumed they could receive the subsidy before relocating permanently. Others had already moved to the area or started business activity before the eligibility date established by the government.

Greece Expands Relocation Plan to Additional Regions
In response to the disappointing Meriç results, Athens is now expanding the relocation initiative to six additional regional units:

• Kastoria (Kesriye)
• Serres
• Florina
• Kilkis
• Pella
• Drama

The revised program will maintain the €10,000 grant while removing income-based criteria and extending eligibility to urban centers within those regions.

Officials hope the broader approach will increase participation by allowing residents to live closer to employment opportunities, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure.

Rural Greece Faces Mounting Demographic Pressure
Greece has become one of Europe’s fastest-aging societies, with many villages and rural towns experiencing rapid population decline. Policymakers increasingly view demographic collapse as both an economic and national security issue, particularly in border regions such as Meriç.

The government’s latest measures reflect growing concern that without stronger incentives and sustainable employment opportunities, younger generations will continue concentrating in major urban centers or emigrating abroad.