Published: 07.05.2025
Today's day in Athens was filled with information, impressions – and also some open questions. Two central stops were on the agenda: the new Helios+ program and the Adama Center. Both institutions are committed to the integration of refugees – in very different ways.
Helios+ – Many plans, but still little practice
In the morning, we visited the new Helios+ program, which has replaced the previous Helios program (2019–2024) since January 2025. It is implemented jointly by Caritas Hellas and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and aims to promote the social and professional integration of recognized refugees in Greece. It is co-funded by the European Social Fund+ (ESF+) and is aligned with Greece's national integration strategy.
The program sounds promising on paper: 13 regional sub-projects are intended to facilitate access to the labor market, housing, and public services. Language courses, professional training, and support for job searching are included, as well as measures to promote social participation.
However, Helios+ is still at the very beginning.
There is a lack of practical experience – many offerings have only started in a few regions, including Attica, where we stayed today. In other regions, providers and potential participants are still waiting for the launch. Funding also seems not to be fully secured – funds from the Greek government have not yet been fully disbursed.
The situation is particularly challenging for refugees returning from Germany – often with lost recognition certificates, which are essential for participation in the program: a valid residence permit, a registered address in Greece, a tax number, and proof of unemployment. Without these prerequisites, participation is impossible – even though the need is great.
Another problem: the person must register no later than 24 months after recognition. Missing this deadline – due to bureaucratic hurdles or missing information or documents needing to be reapplied for – excludes participation. This poses a significant hurdle for returnees from Germany.
In February, a first vocational preparatory course was conducted in Attica – with about 70 adult participants (150 people including their children). Demand is there, but how sustainable and effective the program will be remains to be seen.
Adama Center – practical and directly on site
In the afternoon, the Adama Center presented itself quite differently. Here, things are much more practical: The center offers support to asylum seekers and recognized refugees in job searching, resumes, employment contracts, or bureaucratic questions.
Employers who advertise jobs through a special platform are checked in advance – this creates security and transparency for both sides.
When a job is filled, the Adama Center can also provide follow-up support. It was particularly emphasized how difficult it is to find family-friendly workplaces – especially for women with children, as many positions are seasonal or involve inflexible working hours. Demand at the center fluctuates greatly: between September and May, things are very busy since all the contracts for seasonal work expire – in the summer, there is rather less going on. Overall, about 1,000 people use the services annually.
A day with open questions – and the ferry to Lesbos
After so many impressions, we had time for our own explorations in Athens in the afternoon – a good opportunity to let the information settle. In the evening, we boarded the ferry to Lesbos, where new projects and discussions await us tomorrow.
What I take away from today is primarily this: Integration requires more than good concepts – it requires feasibility, reliability, and real support on the ground.
