Greece’s waning birth rate addressed by banks and government

10:20 1/6/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

A recent study by diaNEOsis has identified Greece’s declining birth rate as a “major threat” to the country’s future, second only to the nation’s economic challenges.

The 2024 report shows 36.7 percent of Greeks identifying the demographic decline as a major concern, prompting calls for initiatives to support family growth.

At the heart

of the problem, the study notes, is the financial burden of child-rearing, including education, healthcare, and living expenses.

To combat this, the Greek government and private institutions are implementing measures such as allowances, universal healthcare, and social safety nets to ease these pressures.

Housing costs are another critical factor affecting family planning decisions.

But in response, specialised housing loans with favorable terms are being offered to make homeownership more accessible, providing a stable environment for raising children.

Countries like France and Sweden have seen success with financial incentives that support families, resulting in higher birth rates.

France offers monthly allowances, tax breaks, and subsidised childcare, while Sweden provides up to 480 days of paid parental leave per child.

In Greece, a National Action Plan is underway, focusing on five pillars: financial aid for families, workforce strengthening, managing aging populations, improving quality of life, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Eurobank’s “Forward for the Family” Program is a three-year initiative targeting families in remote areas, offering banking benefits, insurance privileges, and a new housing loan with a fixed interest rate of 1% for families with at least three children.

The program also supports the Be-Live association, which provides free in vitro fertilisation treatments, resulting in the birth of 36 babies to date. Additionally, Eurobank has created 75 remote employment positions in its customer telephone service, promoting professional stability, encouraging young people to start families in their hometowns.

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