“Greece is no longer a one -way fleeing, but a return optione. Today we are no longer talking about a massive exit, such as the decade of the crisis. In 2023, for the first time since 2008, the immigration balance became positive: 47,200 Greeks returned, 32,800 left. And these elements can not be challenged by our fiercest critics. ” This data was presented by the Vice President of the Government Kostis Hatzidakis, Speaking at the annual Brain Regain conference held at the Athens Concert Hall. Overall, according to official Eurostat data provided by Mr. Chatzidakis By the end of 2023, 400,000 out of 600,000 Greeks of the Brain Drain generation have returned.
The deputy prime minister emphasized that the government has set the goal from day one to turn the Brain Drain. This is because, as he explained, “we perceive it as a national obligation. Against parents who see their children away. Against the thousands of talented young people who left not of choice, but out of necessity. But also against the country, because without the appropriate human capital we are in danger of being trapped in a low expectations economy. “
In this context, he continued, initiatives such as:
– Strong tax incentives (50% reduced income tax for 7 years) to return the Brain Drain generation. “I was pleased, reading in your research that 49% of those who came back said that these initiatives played a decisive role. This is the biggest reward: the measures to get a place, “said Hatzidakis.
– Rebrain Greece and DBA career days. “We held events in London, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, connecting Greek businesses with Greeks abroad. Participation was impressive. And it proves something important: that our children want to go back if we give them the conditions, “he said.
– Significant institutional interventions, such as Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ recent initiative to automatically recognize the US medical specialty. “We are thus sending a practical message to Greek scientists abroad that Greece is waiting for them,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
However, the question also asked: Would anyone come back if the country remained at the same point that it was in 2015? If the economy was not growing at more than twice as high as the European average? If unemployment did not follow a steady downward course? If wages were not increased? If there were no new, big investments that create good jobs? The answer, he said, “It’s clear: No! Greece today is more investment, more competitive for businesses, more fair for employees. “
Mr. Chatzidakis He emphasized that not all the problems were solved, but there is still enough work to do. Among other things:
– For the real convergence to the most advanced countries of the European Union.
– For the development of branches of specialized scientists, with competitive pay and a modern work environment, with initiatives such as Startup Visa and non -state universities.
– For more effective social services, better schools, modern hospitals.
– To deal with the bureaucracy of the suffering of citizens by the State. In many cases it touches the limits of madness. “It is even in my new duties to come up with bills at regular intervals that will provide solutions to such issues,” Mr Hatzidakis stressed.
The deputy prime minister, finally, emphasized that political stability is crucial to the success of the project.
“No country – it has been – is prosperous in conditions of political instability. No reform succeeds if you change it every two years. No serious business invests in a country unless he knows who rules – and if he finally rules.
It would be unfair to the sacrifices of an entire people – whether he stayed here or had to leave – to live the myth of Sisyphus. But this time not as a myth, but as a reality. We have a duty to keep Greece on a way of Europe and common sense. And I think the vast majority of Greek citizens fully understand this message, “the deputy prime minister said.