AI REGULATIONS IN GREECE

Greece has been actively advancing its AI regulatory framework through several key initiatives aimed at fostering ethical standards, promoting innovation, and ensuring the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The Hellenic National Bioethics Commission, established in 2002, serves as an independent advisory body of experts that advises public authorities on ethical, social, and legal aspects arising from scientific advances in biology, biotechnology, medicine, and genetics. The Commission’s mission is to highlight the interaction of life sciences and contemporary social values, promoting public awareness and dialogue about biotechnological advancements. This aligns with the OECD AI principles of inclusive growth, sustainable development, human-centered values, and fostering a digital ecosystem for AI.

The AI Centre of Excellence, established in 2019 with a multi-million euro investment by the National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos” and EY Global Services (EYGS), aims to become a global reference point for Document Intelligence. This center focuses on cutting-edge research to advance the understanding of documents through AI, developing innovative digital products and services in business document analysis. It also aims to reverse the brain drain of AI researchers, create a critical mass of world-class researchers, and promote an ecosystem of innovation that connects researchers, start-ups, and global industry leaders. This initiative aligns with the OECD AI principles of investing in AI R&D, fostering a digital ecosystem for AI, and building human capacity.

In 2020, the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance (MDG) undertook the development of the Greek National AI Strategy, involving major stakeholders and experts from Greece and the EU. This strategy aims to establish conditions for AI development, including skills and trust frameworks, data policies, and ethical principles for safe AI development and use. It also outlines national priorities to maximize AI benefits for societal challenges and economic growth, analyzing necessary actions and proposing pilot applications across policy areas. This initiative addresses OECD AI principles such as robustness, security, safety, human-centered values, and building human capacity.

Generative AI Greece 2030, initiated in 2023 by the National Centre for Social Research (EKKE) and the National Centre of Scientific Research “Demokritos,” is the first empirical strategic foresight research approach on the use of Generative AI in Greece. This research presents four scenarios of possible future images of Generative AI in Greece by 2030, focusing on inclusive growth, human-centered values, transparency, robustness, accountability, and fostering a digital ecosystem for AI. It also addresses the importance of international cooperation for trustworthy AI and building human capacity for labor market transition.

These comprehensive initiatives reflect Greece’s commitment to developing a robust and ethical AI landscape, promoting innovation, and aligning with international best practices and standards. The collaborative efforts among governmental bodies, research institutions, and international organizations underscore Greece’s proactive stance in fostering a responsible and inclusive AI environment that benefits society and drives economic growth. Through these initiatives, Greece aims to position itself as a leader in AI innovation and governance, ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a manner that upholds ethical standards and maximizes societal benefits.