Greece expands Evros relocation program with €10,000 aid

Greek Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Domna Michailidou announced an expansion of the relocation incentive scheme for the Evros region and other peripheral areas. The financial grant is increased to €10,000 per household regardless of the size of the destination town, with a 50 % advance payment provided so beneficiaries have funds before moving. The previous requirement to have an employment contract has been removed, and eligibility is broadened to include residents of other EU member states and graduates of higher‑education institutions based in the target municipalities. The programme will be extended to additional municipalities based on demographic and development criteria. Michailidou responded to criticism about low uptake, stating that the two applications previously approved have received the first instalment of the grant. "We give 50 % advance so that if someone wants to go, they can go and have the money beforehand," she said.

The revisions aim to simplify participation, boost absorption of the scheme and encourage settlement in under‑populated areas, with the first advance payments already being disbursed to the initial beneficiaries.