The Greek Parliament approved today, July 16, the Ministry of Digital Governance's bill establishing the national implementation framework for the European Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act). This move places Greece among the first EU member states to create a comprehensive mechanism for the safe and responsible development of AI systems, amending Law 4961/2022.
Oversight and Sanctions
The new framework designates the Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA) as the Central Market Surveillance Authority. Additionally, the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) will serve as the notifying authority, hosting a new Coordination and Expertise Center for AI. The legislation provides for administrative sanctions for violations—applicable even to public sector entities—and introduces criminal penalties for removing transparency labels from deepfake content.
Boosting Innovation: The Regulatory Sandbox
A key pillar of the new legislation is the AI Regulatory Sandbox. This controlled environment allows businesses, startups, and researchers to test AI applications under real-world conditions with official guidance. The goal is to facilitate innovative solutions while maintaining strict safety standards and protecting citizens' fundamental rights.
Infrastructure and Social Impact
Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou highlighted the importance of supporting infrastructure, such as the "DAEDALUS" supercomputer—ranked 31st globally—and the "Pharos" AI Factory. He also noted the practical application of AI in accelerating legal audits for the Hellenic Land Registry and the creation of a Digital Registry for accessibility points for people with disabilities, which will be integrated with the "MyStreet" application.
"In the dilemma between 'Innovation' or 'Regulation,' the answer is 'Innovation with Regulation,'" Papastergiou stated during his speech.
