Greece targets diaspora return through new demographic and social policies

Greek Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, has outlined strategic goals regarding Greece’s social challenges ahead of her participation in United Nations proceedings in New York. A central focus of her agenda is the concept of ‘brain regain,’ aiming to encourage the Greek diaspora to view their ancestral homeland as a viable destination for education, employment, and long-term residency.

Michailidou emphasized that addressing demographic shifts requires long-term policy rather than fragmented measures. She highlighted the National Action Plan for Demographics 2025-2035, which includes over 100 actions spanning a decade. Key priorities include tackling the housing crisis, supporting young families, and improving preschool care by removing income criteria for nursery vouchers for families with three or more children.

During her visit to the United States, the Minister intends to showcase Greece’s domestic policies on social rights, equality, and child protection, while leveraging Greece’s role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2025–2026 to strengthen the nation’s international influence.