Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is one of the most important technological pillars of our time, influencing the way we generate knowledge, make decisions, and organize social and economic activity. AI refers to a machine’s ability to replicate human cognitive functions, such as learning, understanding, analyzing data, and adapting its behavior based on experience. AI is not one technology but a broad set of methods ranging from classical algorithms to advanced neural networks and deep learning models.

AI is already used in many ways in everyday life. From email filtering, search engines, and virtual assistants, to machine translation, navigation systems, and smart features on mobile devices, AI supports a range of services we use every day.

At the same time, it is transforming critical sectors of the economy: in healthcare, it offers more accurate diagnoses; in industry, it optimizes production and predicts failures; in agriculture, it contributes to more sustainable practices, while in public administration, it enhances risk prevention and improves services for citizens. The rise of generative AI, which can create text, images, videos, or code, opens new possibilities for creativity and productivity, serving as a tool to enhance rather than replace human judgment.

In the Greek public sector, AI is already being applied in a meaningful and practical way. Among other things, the digital assistant mAigov simplifies access to public services, the mAiGreece app enhances the experience of visitors to the country, and the Hellenic Cadastre utilizes AI to accelerate the verification of notarial deeds.

At this stage, Greece is systematically implementing and updating its national plan for the transition to the AI era, adapting its actions to technological developments and strengthening the integration of strategy, infrastructure, and applications across the entire ecosystem.

More information on Artificial Intelligence and how you can use it safely and beneficially in your daily life can be found in the Practical Guide.

The regulation of Artificial Intelligence in the European Union is now being shaped by the AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework that establishes binding rules for the development and use of AI systems. The Regulation adopts a risk-based assessment approach, under which systems are classified into four levels: unacceptable risk, high risk, limited risk, and minimal risk, with corresponding obligations regarding transparency, security, data quality, and human oversight. The Regulation has been phased in since 2025, with the core provisions taking effect in 2026 and the full implementation of the framework (including rules for high-risk systems) to be completed by 2027, according to the official EU timeline.

Greece has already taken significant steps to adapt to the new framework. From the early stages of European consultations, it actively participated in shaping the AI Act, supporting the risk-based assessment approach. Following the entry into force of the Regulation, Greek representatives were appointed to the European Artificial Intelligence Board (AI Board) and its specialized sub-groups were appointed. At the same time, a special Working Group was established to adapt national legislation and design the new AI governance framework. The Group documented the obligations arising from the Regulation, assessed the existing national framework, and formulated proposals for the institutional organization and supervision of AI in the country. Greece was also among the first Member States to finalize and notify the European Commission of the list of competent authorities responsible for protecting fundamental rights when using high-risk AI systems, which are: a) the Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA), b) the Hellenic Authority for the Protection of Communications Privacy (HAPCP), c) the National Commission for Human Rights (EEDA), and d) the Greek Ombudsman.

More information on the obligations, risk levels, and timeline of the Regulation can be found in the Guide to the Artificial Intelligence Regulation [coming soon].

The Greek Artificial Intelligence ecosystem is entering a phase of rapid maturation, leveraging new infrastructure, enhanced research activity, and coordinated institutional interventions that support the economy, public administration, and innovation. In alignment with European strategies, the country is shaping a coherent AI development framework and strengthening its position as a technological hub.

A central pillar is the new national supercomputer “DAIDALOS ,” which is expected to become operational in 2026 and will rank among the most powerful systems globally. Its computing power will enable the training of advanced models, the analysis of big data, and the support of complex applications, serving as the backbone of the national AI ecosystem.

“DAIDALOS” is the core of the Greek AI Factory “PHAROS,” which is part of EuroHPC’s European AI Factories initiative. The AI Factory “PHAROS” has mobilized the national innovation ecosystem, with the National Network of Technology and Research Infrastructure (EDYTE), the National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos,” the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), the “ATHENA” Research Center, and many other academic and research institutions to join the effort. Through PHAROS S.A. (with participation from the Superfund and the Ministry of Digital Governance), the facility is becoming more flexible and efficient, with the aim of linking research to the market and supporting businesses and researchers in developing AI applications, with an emphasis on the fields of Health, the Greek Language, and Culture, as well as Sustainable Development.

At the same time, at the European level, the next phase of these infrastructures is being promoted through the creation of AI Gigafactories, which will further enhance computing power and the development of advanced models. The strategy also includes the development of a second supercomputer in Western Macedonia, with a focus on applications in the energy and agri-food sectors, in synergy with existing national infrastructure.

In addition to the Special Secretariat for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance, the General Secretariat for Information Systems and the Special Secretariat for Long-Term Planning play a central role in the AI ecosystem, support infrastructure development, data management, and the coordination of related initiatives. At the same time, the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) promotes the adoption of digital innovation solutions by businesses and public bodies by providing testing, training, and networking services.