In the National Action Plan on Demographics with a budget of EUR 20 billion and in programmes such as my Home II financed with EUR 2 billion from the Recovery Fund, the Minister for Social Cohesion and Family Affairs mentioned, in her speech, the Council of Ministers for Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers (EPSCO) of the EU Member States in Brussels today (2.12.2024). Ms. Zachaki pointed out: “Greece is the first EU Member State to draw up a National Action Plan for Demography, following the publication of the European Demography Toolbox by the European Commission. The 10-year strategy of the NDR, prepared by the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family includes around 100 targeted actions with an estimated budget of 20 billion euros. It is an important issue that touches both the most developed and less developed economic countries in Europe. This means that we need horizontal measures to strengthen young people such as housing and their professional rehabilitation and to strengthen and strengthen women’s professional prospects, healthy and active ageing. Policies that touch every citizen, are close to the citizen and next to the family.” Referring to the housing policy implemented by the Government, the Minister stressed that “accessible housing is important for young people to be able to create a family and build a safe future. Greece is committed to spending more than 5 billion euros on an integrated housing strategy by 2027, which includes low interest or interest-free loans, large-scale renovation programs, subsidised rents for vulnerable groups, student housing and state-owned real estate exploitation. In the context of this policy”, as Sofia Zachaki said, “significant initiatives such as the “Home I” program have ensured that nearly 7,500 people buy their first residence with doses more affordable than rent. Based on its success, we launched my Home II programme, which is funded with 2 billion euros from the TAA, aiming to help 20,000 more new couples by 2026. Solidarity between generations and active ageing are cornerstones of Greece’s demographic strategy,” the Minister stressed. Speaking to pensioners Sophia Zachraki said that “we allow them to return to the workforce without losing pension benefits, contributing with their expertise in the labour market. In addition, in the “Dandades of Neighborhood” program which addresses parents with children from 2 months to 2.5 years old, it aims to support families and help young people create their own family and also strengthen the role of grandfather and grandmother as carers. For our younger citizens, we invest in initiatives to re-education and upgrade their skills to strengthen their active participation in society. Through a specific programme funded with 600,000 euros by the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) we are trying to strengthen their financial independence, ensuring that policies meet their needs. Europe needs its people and we work tirelessly to ensure that every European citizen – whether in busy cities or in rural areas – has the freedom to stay home, build its future and prosper,” said Minister Sophia Zachraki. In the context of the Convention, Minister Sophia Zachakakis had a meeting with Mrs Hadja Lahbib, a New Commissioner for the Preparation, Crisis Management and Equality of the EU and with Mrs Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bak, Minister for Family, Labour and Social Affairs of Poland.
Zachaki: EUR 5 billion for an integrated housing strategy by 2027
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