Housing is now at the centre of the European debate, said Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Domna Michailidou, explaining that the problem is also linked to the demographic problem faced by many European countries.

Ms Michailidou, speaking to Mega, referred to her participation in the European Union Social Policy Council of Ministers (EPSCO) in Brussels. In the context of her contacts with the responsible Commissioner Dan Jorgensen and the Director General of the European Commission Mario Nava, the need for greater flexibility in the use of European financial instruments for housing policies was raised, so that Member States can make more effective use of available programmes.

According to Ms Michailidou, Greece is already implementing a comprehensive housing policy with 43 measures and a budget of around €7 billion, which aims to support households and increase the supply of housing at the same time.

Unified food aid system

In the field of social support, he unveiled tthe new single food aid system, through which 400 million euros are being directed directly to households in need in the form of vouchers. For the first time, the implementation rules are being unified across the country and managed centrally to avoid delays. Beneficiaries can now choose for themselves the basic goods they need and the shop from which to buy them. The new system is directly linked to the Minimum Guaranteed Income, and includes accompanying social inclusion actions.

Special mention was also made of the programme“All Digital-Digital Empowerment and Participation for All”, which is being implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Governance. The aim is to familiarize citizens over 65 years old and persons with disabilities with modern technologies, access to gov.gr services and electronic transactions. Interest in participation is already strong, with about 5,000 applications, while 3,600 elderly and 2,800 Persons with Disabilities are expected to be trained by June.