“Describing the focus on ‘brain gain’ as a significant regression, Aristides Hatzis, a professor at the University of Athens, stated that while research funding was a priority during the financial crisis due to EU emphasis, it has now become the least important concern, amounting to a total neglect of the sector.
During the financial crisis of 2008, approximately 500,000 people left Greece, resulting in a 25% contraction of the economy and pushing unemployment to 28%. Unlike past mass migrations, such as those following World War II, this wave included many highly educated and skilled individuals.
The ‘Brain Regain’ initiative, led by the conservative New Democracy government to counteract this exodus of talent, includes measures such as a seven-year, 50% income tax exemption and extends to high-skilled public sector positions.
Overall, conditions have improved since the crisis. Data from the OECD Diaspora Review Greece shows a continuous rise in Greek citizens returning home starting from 2021. Notably, 2023 marked the first year since the crisis began that returning citizens outnumbered those leaving. In the 2023-2024 period, 69,000 Greeks emigrated while 98,000 came back.
However, the issue remains pressing for the scientific community.”
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