Greece expands relocation program for Meriç and other border regions

Speaking during parliamentary discussions on the "Personal Assistant for Persons with Disabilities" bill, Michailidou said the program launched in the regional units of Meriç but did not achieve the level of participation expected by the government.

She said the government had revised the program by increasing financial support and simplifying eligibility requirements. Under the updated framework, beneficiaries will receive a 50% advance payment to help cover relocation costs, while the financial assistance has been standardized at €10,000 regardless of the size of the destination municipality.

Previously, the support amount was €5,000 for larger cities and €10,000 for smaller towns and villages. The government has also removed the requirement for beneficiaries to already have an employment contract before relocating.

The revised legislation allows participation from citizens of other European Union member states as well as graduates of higher education institutions located in municipalities included in the relocation areas. The changes also allow the program to be expanded to additional municipalities and local areas based on demographic and development criteria.

Responding to criticism from Greek Solution MP Kostas Chitas, who argued that the program had failed because only two applications had been approved, Michailidou said both approved beneficiaries had received their first financial installment. She stated that one person received €5,000 and the other €3,000.

According to Michailidou, many rejected applications contained inaccurate information, with some applicants already being long-term residents of the targeted areas. She argued that the public administration identified these cases and prevented payments from being made.

The minister rejected claims that the program had failed, saying it was being expanded to additional regions with support from lawmakers from New Democracy and PASOK. However, she acknowledged that relocation incentives alone cannot solve demographic challenges.

"The relocation program is not a cure-all," Michailidou said, adding that financial incentives must be combined with broader government policies and household circumstances to encourage people to move to regional areas.

The opposition has called for the program to include additional regions facing demographic decline, including Epirus, Western Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and the North and South Aegean islands.