Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a science fiction scenario for the Greek political scene, but the central axis of the government's strategy for the next three years. During his speech at the recent New Democracy (ND) Congress, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis set the framework for a radical restructuring of the state through algorithms. The discussion, which was broadcast live, highlighted Athens' intention not to be a passive recipient of technological developments, but an active shaper of European AI policy.

The Advisory Committee and the National Blueprint

The Prime Minister placed significant emphasis on the work of the AI Advisory Committee, chaired by the distinguished MIT professor Constantinos Daskalakis. According to Mr. Mitsotakis, Greece possesses the human capital—both within and outside its borders—to develop specialized AI models tailored to the nuances of the Greek language and the local economy. The "AI Greece 2030" strategy is not just about technology; it is about the ethical dimension of its use, ensuring that automation does not exacerbate social inequalities.

Reforms in Healthcare and Justice

One of the most ambitious points of the discussion was the application of AI in the Healthcare sector. The Prime Minister described a future where AI diagnostic tools will assist doctors in the National Health System (ESY) to detect diseases at an early stage with much greater precision. Similarly, in Justice—a sector traditionally plagued by delays in Greece—the use of technology for case classification and legal document drafting is expected to accelerate procedures by up to 40%. "We are not replacing the judge or the doctor," Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized, "we are giving them the best possible tools to do their jobs."

  • Automation of public administration to reduce bureaucracy.
  • Use of algorithms to identify tax evasion through data cross-referencing.
  • Investments in Data Centers by giants such as Microsoft and Google.
  • Educational programs for the upskilling of the workforce.

Ethics, Security, and the European Framework

In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister referred to the need for alignment with the European Union's AI Act. Greece seeks to become Europe's "laboratory" for ethical Artificial Intelligence. Mr. Mitsotakis underscored that the protection of personal data and the transparency of algorithms are non-negotiable principles. The discussion at the ND Congress made it clear that AI is the new "bet" of modernization, with the government wagering on technological superiority to gain the trust of citizens and investors alike.

"Artificial Intelligence is to our era what electricity was to the 20th century. Whoever stays behind will find themselves in the darkness of history."

The challenge remains implementation. While the announcements are promising, Greek reality often clashes with structural rigidities. However, the Prime Minister's commitment at this level indicates a clear political will for a transition to a digital future with no turning back.