New relocation program to counter demographic decline in Meriç
Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Thanassis Kontogiorgis, has announced the launch of a new relocation initiative aimed at reversing the ongoing demographic decline in Greece’s remote regions, starting with the Regional Unit of Meriç (Evros).
The Demographic Development Program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, offers financial incentives for households relocating their primary residence to the municipalities of Sofullu (Soufli), Dimetoka (Didymoteicho), and Kumçiftliği (Orestiada). Interested applicants can submit their requests via the official platform: https://relocation.vouchers.gov.gr.
With a total budget of €10 million, the pilot program aims to support up to 1,000 new residents. Each eligible household may receive up to €10,000, with an additional €1,000 per child to help families settle and establish themselves in the region.
“Our goal is to make Evros a viable home once again for families and individuals who wish to build their lives here,” Kontogiorgis stated. He emphasized that housing, employment, health, and education remain the government's core priorities in revitalizing underpopulated areas.
Following an assessment of the program’s results in Meriç Evros), the government will consider expanding it to other remote and mountainous regions facing similar demographic challenges.
