Greece is emerging as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform public services, boost efficiency, and address pressing challenges like climate change.
At the AI Action Summit in Paris this week, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis showcased the country’s ambitious AI strategy, highlighting groundbreaking projects that have already revolutionized sectors ranging from land registry management to tourism.
Central to Greece’s AI push is FAIROS, one of the first seven AI factories approved by the European Commission. Powered by DAEDALUS, one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, FAIROS underscores Greece’s commitment to ethical AI development and positions the country at the forefront of technological innovation.
Among the innovations unveiled at the summit was the Kids Wallet, a new AI-powered app set to launch this spring. Modeled after Greece’s successful Gov.gr Wallet, the app will feature pre-installed parental controls and serve as a national age verification tool. The project has already garnered significant international attention, reflecting Greece’s growing influence in the global AI landscape.
During his visit, Mr. Mitsotakis met with top AI leaders, including Demis Hassabis, Nobel laureate and CEO of Google’s DeepMind, Chris Lehane of OpenAI, and Börje Ekholm, CEO of Ericsson. Their discussions focused on the ethical use of AI, its potential to combat climate change, and the importance of human-centric applications. Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized that governments must harness AI responsibly, ensuring it serves the public good while fostering innovation.
Greece’s Ministry of Digital Governance has already made significant strides in integrating AI into public services. A standout example is the Hellenic Land Registry, which Microsoft has recognized as a global model for digital transformation. By adopting advanced AI, the registry has slashed property contract evaluation times from three hours to less than 10 minutes and reduced costs by 99%, from €15 to just €0.14 per transaction. Additionally, 90% of transactions are now conducted digitally, streamlining processes and enhancing transparency.
Since September 2023, productivity at the Hellenic Land Registry has more than doubled, with over 13,500 transactions processed weekly, compared to an average of 5,562 before AI integration. The system’s real-time data capabilities have also improved resource allocation and supported national budget planning, marking a significant leap forward in public administration.
Another milestone is mAigov, Greece’s first large-scale AI assistant for public services. Since its launch, mAigov has handled over 1.6 million citizen interactions, reducing wait times, phone calls, and paperwork. The tool has streamlined communication between citizens and the government, making public services more accessible and efficient.
In the tourism sector, Greece has introduced mAiGreece, a digital assistant designed to enhance the travel experience for visitors and locals alike. Launched last summer, mAiGreece serves as a personalized travel guide, offering real-time information and recommendations. Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the app highlights Greece’s commitment to leveraging AI to boost its tourism industry while improving the visitor experience.
These projects are the result of collaborations between the Greek government and leading technology companies, including OTE, Accenture, UBITECH, and Microsoft, which provides the Azure Open AI technology underpinning these initiatives. Together, they demonstrate Greece’s ability to harness AI for public good, driving innovation while addressing real-world challenges.
As Greece continues to lead by example in the ethical and responsible use of AI, Mr. Mitsotakis has made it clear that the country’s focus remains on human-centered applications. From transforming public services to combating climate change and enhancing tourism, Greece is proving that AI can be a powerful tool for improving lives and fostering sustainable development. With its bold vision and innovative projects, Greece is not only shaping its own future but also setting a global standard for the responsible use of artificial intelligence.