In a speech defined by a careful balance between technological optimism and social vigilance, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis outlined Greece's and Europe's trajectory toward 2030. Speaking at an international conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mitsotakis moved beyond standard announcements regarding state digitization, diving deep into the existential challenges posed by the algorithmic revolution to democracy and the mental health of younger generations.
The 2030 Horizon: A New Industrial Revolution
The Prime Minister compared the advent of Generative AI to the discovery of the steam engine or electricity. According to him, the next six years will witness changes that would otherwise take decades to unfold. "This is not just a new tool; it is a fundamental shift in how we produce, think, and communicate," he remarked. Greece, under current government planning, aims not to be a mere consumer of these technologies but an active participant in shaping their ethical and regulatory framework.
Special emphasis was placed on productivity. Mitsotakis noted that AI could be the "key" to solving long-standing issues in the Greek economy, such as bureaucracy and delays in the judicial system. Already, the introduction of the digital assistant "mAi" in public administration marks the first step in a long journey toward a state that "predicts" rather than merely "treats" problems after the fact.
A Critique of Social Media and Mental Health
One of the most compelling and perhaps unexpectedly sharp points of his speech concerned social media. The Prime Minister expressed profound concern over how the algorithms of major platforms affect the cognitive development and psychology of adolescents. "We are facing a mental health crisis fueled by the pursuit of attention at any cost," he emphasized.
- The need for stricter age verification on platforms.
- Transparency regarding algorithms that promote content.
- Protecting minors from toxicity and digital addiction.
Mitsotakis called on the European Union to take a leading role in regulating Big Tech, underlining that freedom of speech should not be confused with the freedom of algorithmic amplification of hate or misinformation. This reference comes at a time when discussions about banning mobile phones in schools and restricting social media use for minors are gaining momentum across Europe.
Democracy in the Age of Deepfakes
Beyond economics and society, the Prime Minister addressed the risks to the democratic process itself. With global elections threatened by sophisticated disinformation campaigns, the use of AI to create deepfakes poses an immediate threat. "Democracy relies on a shared understanding of reality. If AI destroys this common ground, then our system of government is at risk," he warned.
"Artificial Intelligence is a mirror of our civilization. If we feed it toxic data, it will reflect a toxic reality back at us. Our responsibility is to ensure that this mirror remains clear."
Closing his remarks, Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that Greece possesses the human capital—both domestically and within the diaspora—to lead in this new era. The establishment of the High-Level Advisory Committee on AI, featuring top scientists like Constantinos Daskalakis, serves as a guarantee that the country will move forward with a clear plan and necessary caution.
