The measures and initiatives of the Greek government to address the country’s demographic problem were presented by the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, in charge of Demographic Policy and Family, Maria Syregela, speaking at the 21st conference of the International Union of French-speaking Journalists, on “Demography and Criticism”. “which is taking place these days in Athens, at the French Institute.
As Ms. Syregela stressed, “the demographic problem is one of the most important challenges for both our country and Europe, especially after the rapid changes brought to our lives by the COVID-19 pandemic. And its treatment is national “Protection and national responsibility. Protecting the family and tackling the demographic are top priorities of our government and the Prime Minister himself.”
Greece promotes measures in all policy areas to support the family, the harmonization of family and professional life and the essential equality of the sexes which are inextricably linked to demographic policy. Our country implements measures and actions, such as the increase of the tax-free limit to 1,000 euros for each child, the reduction of VAT for baby items from 24% to 13%, the employment in the wider public sector of at least 900 unemployed – members of families with three or more children, childbirth allowance 2,000 euros, with a simplified procedure for granting to a wide circle of beneficiaries.
Ms. Syregela also referred to the Equality Mark given to companies that promote policies of equal treatment and reconciliation, as well as to the transposition of the European Directive on the harmonization of professional and family life. As the Undersecretary stressed, “we introduced paternity leave for the first time, completed the framework of parental leave, introduced flexible working arrangements for parents and carers and went the country even further by protecting young parents from dismissal.”
Under the new labor law, permits were also introduced for women undergoing assisted reproduction. Also, the Ministry of Health gave the opportunity to older women, up to 54 years, to have children with assisted reproduction, while allowing the cryopreservation of eggs for social reasons.
In the same context is the strengthening of the childcare framework. In addition to daycare centers, new parents are given additional options tailored to their own needs, such as “Neighborhood Nannies” and the creation of babysitting facilities in businesses. At the same time, Ms. Syregela added, “we continue to support all women with entrepreneurship programs, by establishing the Innovation Center for Women and enhancing the education and training of women and girls in research and technology.”
At the same time, the government is by the side of the youth and is preparing a special plan for the housing of the youth, expanding a series of partnership options with the private sector and utilizing the untapped property of the State.
“We are fulfilling our commitments for the practical support of families, households, young people and all citizens of the country, laying the foundations for the creation of a better Greece, the Greece that we want and deserve,” the Undersecretary concluded.
Source: Capital

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