The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a science fiction scenario but a daily reality fundamentally transforming the economy, society, and the functioning of democratic institutions. In this context, the intervention of New Democracy MEP Manolis Kefalogiannis, through the newspaper 'AMARYSIA', underlines a fundamental truth: technological progress, however impressive, cannot operate in an institutional vacuum. The European Union, leading the world with the AI Act, seeks to set the rules of the game, ensuring that innovation serves humanity and not the other way around.
The European Model: Human-Centric Regulation
According to Mr. Kefalogiannis, Europe's institutional approach is not merely a bureaucratic exercise but a political act of self-definition. While the US follows a model based on the free market and China a model of state control and surveillance, Europe chooses the 'third way.' This path combines support for entrepreneurship with the strict protection of fundamental rights. The MEP emphasizes that institutional shielding is primarily about trust: citizens must feel secure that their data is protected and that decisions made by algorithms are transparent and explainable.
The AI Act introduces a tiered, risk-based approach. Systems considered 'unacceptable risk,' such as social scoring or real-time biometric identification in public spaces (with minimal exceptions), are explicitly prohibited. For Manolis Kefalogiannis, this distinction is vital for maintaining social cohesion. Institutional organization must prevent the creation of a two-tier society, where access to technology or exposure to its risks depends on an individual's economic power or social status.
Democracy, Misinformation, and Political Sovereignty
One of the most crucial aspects addressed by Mr. Kefalogiannis is the impact of AI on democratic processes. The ability to create 'deepfakes' and the use of algorithms for micro-targeting voters with misleading information pose existential threats to democracy. The institutional role of the European Parliament is to ensure that electoral processes remain untainted. Transparency in political advertising and the obligation to label content produced by AI are steps in the right direction, but constant vigilance is required.
Furthermore, the discussion on institutional aspects extends to the concept of 'digital sovereignty.' Manolis Kefalogiannis argues that Europe must invest in its own infrastructure and not depend exclusively on tech giants from outside the EU. This requires an institutional environment that encourages the creation of European innovation ecosystems, providing incentives for startups and research centers to develop solutions that respect European values. Greece, with its highly skilled human resources, can and must play a leading role in this effort.
The Challenge of Implementation and Greece's Role
Designing laws is the first step; implementing them is the second and more difficult one. Mr. Kefalogiannis points out that the establishment of the European AI Office is a central pillar of this effort. This Office will be responsible for enforcing rules and coordinating between member states. For Greece, this translates to a need for rapid adaptation of public administration and the strengthening of national regulatory authorities.
In conclusion, Manolis Kefalogiannis's position highlights that Artificial Intelligence is not just a technical issue, but a deeply political and ethical one. The institutional shielding promoted by Europe serves as a shield for citizens against the potential abuses of technology. As the MEP notes, the goal is a 'smart' Europe that remains 'human.' The success of this endeavor will determine the quality of our democracy in the coming decades, making European legislation the global gold standard for the ethical use of technology.
