\n<\/p>\n
NAOUSA, Greece (January 31, 2025)<\/strong> \u2014 In a bid to reverse its declining population, the municipality of Naousa in western Macedonia, Greece, is offering a \u20ac1,000 bonus for every new baby born to eligible couples. Mayor Nikos Koutsoyiannis announced the initiative today, citing a concerning drop in residents from roughly 34,000 in 2011 to an estimated 30,500 today.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is tangible support, showing young people they are not alone,\u201d stated Mayor Koutsoyiannis. He explained that the region\u2019s de-industrialization, particularly in the textile sector, has driven younger residents to seek opportunities in other Greek cities or abroad. Naousa was once a thriving hub for textile and thread production.<\/p>\n The \u20ac1,000 bonus will be retroactively applied to eligible births occurring in 2024. Eligibility criteria include an income ceiling and the requirement that at least one parent be a permanent resident registered on the Naousa municipal voting rolls.<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe this initiative will provide much-needed support to young families and encourage them to stay and raise their children in Naousa,\u201d added Koutsoyiannis. The municipality hopes this financial incentive will help combat the demographic decline and revitalize the community.<\/p>\n