Greece is betting its economic future on artificial intelligence, earmarking 150 million euros ($162 million) in the 2026 investment budget to integrate the technology into the national market, according to Deputy Development Minister Stavros Kalafatis.
Speaking on state broadcaster ERT, Mr. Kalafatis described AI as a "daily reality" rather than an optional tool.
He outlined a national strategy involving partnerships with tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Mistral AI to train the workforce and modernize local startups.
The initiative is bolstered by a planned autonomous Ministry for Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, designed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to link academic research directly with market needs.
The technological push comes as the government battles persistent inflation. Mr. Kalafatis defended the administration's "mix" of wage hikes and strict market supervision.
He noted that an empowered consumer protection authority, recently reinforced with 300 new inspectors, has imposed over 20 million euros in fines on businesses for unfair pricing over the last 18 months.
"The policy has real impact," Mr. Kalafatis said, framing the governing New Democracy party as "the only stable political powerhouse" capable of delivering complex reforms while opposition parties Pasok and Syriza struggle to formulate concrete alternatives.