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Athens, July 23, 2025
Press Release
Memorandum of Cooperation between CompeteGR and UNHCR to support refugee integration
On Tuesday 22 July 2025, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Council on Competitiveness of Greece (CompeteGR) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation at UNHCR’s premises in Athens.
The Memorandum was signed by Ms. Maria Clara Martin, UNHCR’s Representative in Greece, and Mr. Simos Anastasopoulos, President of CompeteGR, in the presence of Dr. Venetia Kousia, Executive Director of CompeteGR.
The Memorandum sets the foundation for joint initiatives to support the social, cultural, and economic inclusion of refugees and asylum-seekers in Greece, highlighting the pivotal role of the private sector in building inclusive communities and workplaces.
Key areas of cooperation include raising awareness among businesses, promoting refugee access to the labour market and shaping positive narratives. Particular focus will be placed on sectors facing labour shortages, where skills and potential of refugees can be harnessed to address the workforce gap, drive productivity and contribute to the competitiveness of the Greek economy.
This partnership reflects the importance of synergies between the public and private sectors, civil society, and international organizations, in advancing meaningful and sustainable integration pathways that benefit both refugees and host communities.
Both CompeteGR and UNHCR are committed to working closely together, leveraging their expertise, knowledge, and networks to create a model of collaboration that fosters social cohesion and shared progress.
